(KPL) In a move to advance responsible journalism and environmental awareness, media professionals from across the central provinces of the Lao PDR have completed an intensive training program on green news reporting. Held in Vientiane Capital from June 23 to 29, 2025, the program was part of the Strengthening Media Capacity for Inclusive and Green Development (GAMCIL) project, supported by the European Union’s Green Development Programme.

Designed to enhance the role of journalists in promoting sustainable development, the training focused on equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to report effectively on environmental and sustainability issues in today’s fast-evolving digital media landscape.

Over five days, participants explored a wide range of topics, including gender-sensitive journalism, sustainable development, environmental reporting, digital media safety, journalism ethics, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern news production.

Mr. Savankhone Razamountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association.

“This training is very timely. Today’s media must evolve with the digital world,” said Mr. Savankhone Razamountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association. “Journalists need to be agile, informed, and responsible in their reporting—especially on critical topics like environmental change.”

Participants also received hands-on instruction in producing multimedia content tailored for online platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and news websites. The training culminated in a field visit to Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province—a region known for its eco-tourism potential—where participants collected stories and produced short video reports showcasing sustainable tourism practices.

These videos will be entered into a national media competition, with prizes awarded for the top three productions, along with honorable mentions. Winners will be invited to join an international study visit to Vietnam in late 2025 or early 2026—building on a similar initiative from 2024, when top participants took part in a media study tour in Thailand.

Ms. Bouakham Douangpanya, Head of the GAMCIL Project.

Ms. Bouakham Douangpanya, Head of the GAMCIL Project, highlighted the broader goals of the initiative:“This program is not just about strengthening individual skills. It’s about fostering long-term collaboration between the media, civil society, and other key stakeholders to support sustainable development in Laos. Journalists are powerful agents of change, and we are committed to empowering them.”

Mr. Khamsao Leuangkhamthip, from the Xaysomboun Provincial Radio and Television Station, shared: “This was the first time our province was represented in such training. The most valuable part for me was learning to use AI tools for news research. I also developed skills in writing for digital audiences and deepened my understanding of gender in journalism. I hope future sessions will allow even more time for hands-on learning.”

 “This training enhanced my video reporting skills, especially for online platforms. It was a great opportunity to learn from professionals in the fields of environmental journalism, AI, and gender equality,” Ms. Sawapha, a reporter from the Lao News Agency.

As climate change and digital transformation continue to reshape how information is produced and consumed, this training represents a forward-thinking step toward building a more informed, skilled, and socially responsible media sector in the Lao PDR.

KPL