Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage showcased at the Laos 1st National Youth Forum

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, led by newly merged Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the Lao First National Youth Forum 2025 on Sept. 24. The three-day event, themed "Youth Led Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems for Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals," brings together 100 young leaders from across Laos, along with international students from the Republic of Korea and China, and more than 50 officials from the Government agencies/institutions, Embassies, development partners, UN agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, academia and other stakeholder.

During the forum, the ‘Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage: Global Cultural Symbiosis’ initiative set up a booth with displays, showcasing youth-led efforts in agricultural heritage preservation, eco-agriculture, and rural vitalization, attracting many participants who stopped by to learn and exchange ideas.

As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, Chanthalath Pongmala, Assistant FAOR (Programme) (HIHI focal point and Youth Supervisory Board), noted that the Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage stands as a powerful catalyst for promoting the protection and innovation of agricultural heritage systems worldwide.

Launched in Shanghai on August 12, the initiative is jointly initiated by the World Food Forum (China) and the China Internet Information Center, aiming to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning about Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.

Youth representatives from China and Laos pose for a group photo during the Forum. (Photo courtesy of FAO Laos)

Pictured at the booth of “Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage: Global Cultural Symbiosis” initiative, Tongji University student Luo Xibeila (first from left) and Soochow University student Yang Ruyi (second from left) engage with participants on youth-led innovations in agricultural heritage.

Pictured at the booth of “Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage: Global Cultural Symbiosis" initiative, Soochow University student Yang Ruyi (first from left) engages with participants on youth-led innovations in agricultural heritage.