Anan Thammavong   (Photo by UNFPA)

(KPL) Anan Thammavong, 22, believes firmly in the power of youth leadership. “If youth are empowered to lead, real change follows,” he says. More than a personal motto, it is a commitment he brings to life every day through his work as a volunteer peer educator.

A student of social work at the National University of Laos, Anan devotes his time to guiding young people on issues of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Through one-on-one counselling and digital outreach, he helps his peers access information that enables them to make informed decisions, often at pivotal moments in their lives.

“I believe in turning vision into real change. If you approach others with empathy and a service-minded heart, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life,” he explains. “There will always be someone who’s willing to listen and support you. Just have the confidence to speak up and be open to change.”

Anan’s journey began after attending a UNFPA-supported training at the Vientiane Woman and Youth Center for Health and Development (VWYC). The experience was eye-opening. It revealed to him the extent to which many young people lack access to even the most basic knowledge about their bodies, rights, and health choices.

“By first understanding our rights and choices in life, and knowing that our feelings are valid even if we are unsure or afraid, young people can transform from passive to active participants in life,” he says. Through peer education, social media content, and youth-led activities, Anan has taken on the role of mentor, guiding others through similar processes of discovery and empowerment.

He sees voice as central to agency. “By finding our voice, we can contribute and be heard when decisions are made about our futures.”

Yet despite the passion and potential of young people in the Lao PDR, many continue to face challenges that limit their ability to thrive. According to the Lao Social Indicator Survey III, one in five girls is married before the age of 18. Child marriage not only cuts short girls’ education and childhood, but is also closely linked to early pregnancy, poor health outcomes, and cycles of poverty. Addressing harmful social norms, increasing access to accurate SRH information, and creating supportive environments where youth can delay marriage and stay in school are essential to unlocking their full potential.

Anan’s message is strongly aligned with the spirit of International Youth Day 2025, observed each year on 12 August. This global commemoration, supported by UNFPA and the broader United Nations, is an opportunity to highlight young people’s leadership and participation in shaping development outcomes.

The theme for 2025—“Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”—underscores the essential role of young people in making progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their own communities.

In the Lao PDR, the SDGs cannot be achieved without the active participation of young people. Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, inclusive education, decent employment, and meaningful participation in decision-making is essential. This applies to all youth—regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, or location.

Real progress requires creating environments where young people are informed, confident, and equipped to lead. They must have access to accurate information, safe spaces for dialogue, and opportunities to learn, contribute, and innovate.

UNFPA plays a key role in supporting this environment. In the Lao PDR, the agency works alongside government partners, civil society, and youth networks to promote adolescent-friendly health services, scale up comprehensive sexuality education, and foster youth participation in development planning and monitoring. Through these efforts, UNFPA contributes to multiple SDGs, including those focused on health (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), quality education (SDG 4), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Investing in young people like Anan is an investment in the country’s present and future. Today’s youth are the decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders of tomorrow—capable of driving innovation, responding to complex challenges like climate change and inequality, and shaping more inclusive development.

This opportunity is especially significant for the Lao PDR at this moment in its development path.

With a rising share of the population in the working-age group and a smaller proportion of dependents, the country is in its window opportunity of demographic dividend. If supported with the right investments, this shift can accelerate productivity, boost economic growth, and reduce poverty. But if youth are not equipped with the knowledge and tools they need, this potential could be lost.

The 2025 observance of International Youth Day is not only a moment of recognition—it is a prompt for action. With only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the time to invest in young people’s skills, health, and agency is now.

For national decision-makers, this means prioritizing education and vocational training aligned with labor market needs. It means investing in universal health coverage that includes youth-friendly services. It also means fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, enabling young people to create jobs—not just seek them—and contribute meaningfully to local development.

Anan sees his role clearly: “It’s important for everyone to understand sexual and reproductive health. Because the consequences—like facing an unplanned early pregnancy—can deeply affect a person’s life. It all starts with self-awareness and self-respect. When people value themselves, they’re more likely to protect their health and make informed choices about their lives.”

“To every young person reading my story: your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your actions can spark change. Stand beside one another, share what you know, and lift each other up. Together, we can create a Laos where every youth lives with dignity, choice, and hope for a brighter future.” said Anan.

Through his work, Anan is not only informing and inspiring his peers—he is helping shape a future where every young person in the Lao PDR is empowered to lead a life of dignity, choice, and opportunity.

KPL