On 3–4 June 2026, the Youth Protecting Themselves Against Scams and Human Trafficking campaign was officially launched in Vientiane. This pioneering initiative, jointly supported by the European Union in the Lao PDR, the German Embassy to the Lao PDR, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), alongside key Lao ministries including the Ministry of Technology and Communications, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, marks an important step towards protecting young people in Laos from digital threats.

The intensive two-day training workshop brought together 45 enthusiastic young content creators from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to counter cybercrime and human trafficking. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Lao PDR remains vulnerable as both a source and transit country for human trafficking, often linked to deceptive online job advertisements and fraudulent investment schemes.

Throughout the workshop, participants received first-hand insights from law enforcement officials and technology experts. They explored ethical storytelling, digital media production, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Their ambitious objective is to create impactful videos, infographics, and social media content that will educate and protect audiences across the country, helping to disrupt cyber scams and human trafficking networks.

The campaign demonstrated the strength of collaboration between government institutions and youth-led creativity, combining official expertise with grassroots innovation.

“This initiative is not just about raising awareness; it is about building a sustainable defence system led by young people themselves. By equipping youth with digital skills, we are empowering them to become agents of change who can protect their peers from exploitation,” said Mr Mark Gallagher, Ambassador of the European Union to the Lao PDR.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr Keovisouk Solaphom, Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications, praised the commitment of the young content creators. He noted that their forthcoming work would be far more than ordinary digital media, describing it as a “shield” that will help protect the Lao people—our brothers, sisters, friends, and families—from the dangers of cyber fraud and human trafficking.

Although the training workshop in Vientiane Capital has successfully concluded, the broader mission of building a sustainable national defence system is only just beginning. A dynamic youth-led social media campaign will be launched online in the near future. The public is encouraged to follow the campaign, share information on identifying scams and human trafficking with family and friends, and work together to ensure that the digital world remains a place of opportunity rather than exploitation.

KPL