On 4–5 June, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), the National Assembly of the Lao PDR, the Lao Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (LAPPD) and the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) co-hosted the AFPPD Standing Committee on Investing in Youth in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The meeting was held with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Japan Trust Fund (JTF), and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). More than 60 participants from 10 countries, including parliamentarians, government officials, representatives of international organizations, civil society, youth organizations, and academia, took part in the meeting.

In the opening session, H.E. Monexay Laomoaxong, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR, emphasized that the region is facing increasingly complex demographic, environmental, and socio-economic challenges, and underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation to promote effective legislation, policies, and investments that improve the quality of life of their people. H.E. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Lao PDR, stated that investment in youth is the most reliable investment for the future. He also highlighted the importance of supporting young people's health and self-determination, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and reaffirmed the Government of Japan's commitment to continuing its support for youth empowerment in collaboration with partner organizations.

The meeting featured four thematic sessions on demographic trends and investing in youth, education and skills development, youth employment and migration, and the health, rights, and well-being of young people. During Session 4, Dr. Souphon Sayavong of the Promotion of Family Health Association (PFHA), an IPPF Member Association, presented evidence on adolescent pregnancy and child marriage in Lao PDR and called for increased investment in youth-friendly health services including those related to SRHR, comprehensive sexuality education, and stronger policy measures to improve the health and well-being of young people, particularly in rural communities. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement outlining 10 key commitments, including strengthening youth-focused legislation, increasing budget allocations for youth, and enhancing the role of young parliamentarians.

On the following day, participants visited the Lao Youth Union (LYU) Headquarters and the National Assembly of the Lao PDR. These visits provided practical insights into the country's institutional framework, legislative development, and initiatives to promote youth empowerment.