(KPL/VNA) On January 7, 2026, Mr Thongly Sisoulith, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU), has affirmed that Lao youth and adolescents are fully prepared to play an active role in implementing the country’s socio-economic development goals.

Speaking on the sidelines of the XII National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), held from January 6–8 at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane Capital, Thongly emphasized that the Youth and Adolescents Development Strategy, integrated into the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), reflects the Party and State’s clear vision of placing human resource development at the center of sustainable national development.

He noted that the XII Party Congress is a highly significant political event, marking a major milestone in the 70-year leadership of the LPRP and highlighting achievements made over more than 50 years of national construction and development.

After listening to presentations by Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on the Third Political Platform and the 10th Five-Year Development Plan, Thongly said it was evident that youth have consistently been a core driving force in every stage of national development and will play an even greater role in the new development phase.

He stressed that human resource development remains one of the most important strategic pillars shaping the country’s future and ensuring the continued leadership role of the LPRP.

At the same time, Thongly acknowledged that Laos continues to face challenges, including school dropouts at primary and secondary levels, education quality gaps, limited workforce skills, and a relatively high unemployment rate, particularly among young people. Addressing these issues, he said, requires clearer and more comprehensive sectoral planning.

According to him, the Government will prioritize improving teaching and learning quality, enhancing teachers’ qualifications, upgrading educational infrastructure at all levels, and creating a more supportive learning environment, especially for basic education. Greater emphasis will also be placed on vocational education, combining theory with practical training to enable graduates to enter the workforce immediately.

Thongly added that Laos is stepping up investment in information technology, digital transformation, innovation, modern science, and green skills, while promoting stronger cooperation between educational institutions and the private sector. The Government is also encouraging youth entrepreneurship, enabling young people to create jobs for themselves and others, thereby contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.

KPL