Remarks at First Lao National Youth Forum "Youth-Led Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems for Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals"

Excellency, Dr. Saynakhone Inthavong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment,

Excellencies Ambassadors,

Ms. Kyung Mee Kim, FAO Representative,

Representatives from line ministries, civil society, private sector and academia,

Development partners, UN colleagues, and 

All youth representatives:

Sabaidee Ton Sao – Good morning to you all!

I am delighted to address you all today at the first Lao National Youth Forum dedicated to resilient agriculture and food systems. Allow me to congratulate Dr. Saynakhone and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for championing youth engagement in this very important sector. Appreciation also to FAO for its support to the Ministry and for leading the joint UN effort on strengthening food systems in the country.

To our youth representatives – 

It is fantastic to be here with you all. I understand many of you have come from different provinces, and many are farmers or are studying farming. You have made a great career choice. Smart agriculture and growing healthy and nutritious food have never been more important. This is true all around the world and in Lao PDR, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. But Laos has an extra advantage – the majority of population are you, the young people, and you can make a huge difference.

As you engage in discussions over the next two days, let me share three points for your reflection:

First, agriculture isn’t what it used to be – it's evolving fast. It is not a sunset industry; quite the opposite – it is the future – and it belongs to you, the young people. Think about it: from smart irrigation systems to innovative farming methods, technology is transforming how we grow food. With climate change impacting our lives, it is crucial that we adapt our farming practices. Imagine using drones to monitor crops or apps to model weather patterns. Through these innovations, you can help create a more efficient and sustainable agricultural systems. By engaging in agri-food systems, you can advocate for sustainable practices, raise awareness about food security, and promote healthy lifestyles. Your ideas can spark new solutions, and your actions can inspire others.

Second, from a pure agriculture focus, we are shifting our narrative to broader food systems. This multi-sectoral approach recognizes that food security is not just about agriculture; it involves nutrition, health, education and economic development. Recently, several UN agencies have come together on a joint initiative to support the Government’s National Action Plan on Transforming Food Systems. As we roll out the programme over the next two years, we welcome the opportunity to engage with young people.

Third, 2025 is a milestone year for the United Nations and youth are at the heart of it. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Lao PDR’s membership in the UN and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations as an organization. It also marks the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. This week in New York, the UN General Assembly is commemorating the World Programme of Action for Youth at 30 under the theme of inter-generational collaboration. And here in Lao PDR, we are celebrating seven decades since the country joined the UN by engaging with youth. 

Dear friends:

Exactly a year ago, the world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future. One of its key messages is load and clear – countries and organizations must include young people and future generations as a group to listen to and to engage with. Tomorrow, we are bringing all young people working across the UN in Lao PDR together in a Youth Dialogue, showcasing youth-led initiatives. And by meeting you today at this National Youth Forum, and discussing ways of putting your ideas into action, we are contributing to the realization of this crucial objective.

I’m hugely inspired to learn about the work of the finalists of today’s Youth Challenge – from sustainable waste management to planting and cooking delicious food, and from restoring degraded land to water-efficient organic agriculture. These are brilliant ideas that will improve communities and the environment we live in.

I wish you great success in your innovations and all the very best for your future. With your ideas implemented, the future looks a lot brighter, indeed!

Khob chai lai lai – Thank you very much!