VIENTIANE, June 4 (Xinhua) — Around 60 youth representatives from across Laos have gathered to take part in brainstorming recommendations on how to tackle a wide range of issues currently affecting children and young people’s lives in the Southeast Asian country.
The representatives gathered in Laos’ northern Huaphan province to attend a nationwide consultation organized by the Lao National Radio, the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of cooperation on youth empowerment through the Lao Youth Media initiative.
According to a report from the local Pasaxon newspaper on Tuesday, the gathering is taking place from June 3 to 7.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Laos’ Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Phosy Keomanivong thanked UNICEF for their support in building the capacity of the media in Laos and highlighted the Lao Youth Media initiative, a flagship project between the ministry and UNICEF aimed at building the skills of the nation’s young reporters across all provinces, as an excellent example of youth empowerment through media.
“The Lao Youth Media initiative is helping us to build young people in the media and to provide necessary information on health, immunization, nutrition, education, hygiene and sanitation, climate changes, and child protection using communication strategies centered on young people.”
During the meeting, youth representatives will get the chance to exchange their experiences working in the media, receive additional training on radio and social media production and other skills to help them advocate different child rights issues.