Laos works on ending inequalities
(MENAFN) In the Lao capital of Vientiane, representatives from the government, development partners, and the private sector gathered on Tuesday to mark World Population Day, observed annually on July 11th. The event served as a platform to reflect on national achievements, commitments, and strategies aimed at advancing the goals set forth by the International Conference on Population and Development.
According to reports from the Lao News Agency, the gathering was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Phonevanh Outhavong, and Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in Laos. In her address, Phonevanh emphasized the necessity for strengthened cooperation with strategic partners, particularly in leveraging the potential of Laos' youthful population, which constitutes 60 percent of the total demographic.
"We need to ensure that our young people are well-equipped with good education, skills, health, employment and empowered to make an important contribution to the development of Laos," Phonevanh remarked.
The event showcased successful initiatives from the past year jointly undertaken by the Lao government and UNFPA. These initiatives focused on expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services, promoting reproductive rights, reducing maternal mortality rates, and empowering women and young people, with a commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Participants also acknowledged persisting challenges, including disparities among ethnic groups, geographical regions, age groups, and socio-economic backgrounds. Stakeholders stressed the importance of sustained investment in data collection and analysis to better understand and support marginalized communities.
The commemoration of World Population Day in Vientiane underscored the collaborative efforts and shared commitments of stakeholders towards achieving sustainable development goals, prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of all segments of the Lao population.
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