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UNDP Media Release 14 June 2007
A bit of drama to launch Juth Pakai Journal's new campaign
A drama performance and eco-tourism prizes were some of the unusual vehicles that helped launch a development journal's new educational forums today.
Juth Pakai , or New Thinking in Lao Lum, sponsored by the United Nations' in Laos , is a journal which aims to stimulate dialogue and debate on development issues in Lao PDR. It now hopes to bring the debate to a wider – live – audience through a series of educational forums at the National University of Laos.
The theme for the first Juth Pakai Educational Forum was ecotourism - chosen in support of national efforts to promote Laos ' development as well as the topic's ability to inspire intellectual debate. During their presentations, two of Laos' leading eco-tourism experts and past Juth Pakai authors, Dr Sengdeuane Wayakone and Mr Steven Schipani clearly highlighted the importance of eco-tourism to Laos' development and the need to manage the industry and its impacts properly.
With the large number of tourists visiting Laos every year having visible effects on the economy and environment, Mr Schipani, based at the Lao National Tourism Administration, said he was not surprised at the interest shown in ecotourism by the public.
“Well-planned ecotourism can benefit natural and cultural heritage conservation and also assist with local socio-economic development. Due to its abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage, Laos has the potential to become a world renowned ecotourism destination," said Mr Schipani.
Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana, Juth Pakai Editorial Board Member and Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, believes the Juth Pakai Education Forum is an important step in stimulating discussion on important development issues and promoting the participation of Laos' youth in crucial decisions that will affect their lives and those of generations to come.
“Holding public forums brings development issues to young people – it not only encourages exchange of knowledge and expertise, and encourages rigorous academic debate - but it allows the public – particularly young people – to participate in discussions about developmental issues,” said Ms Rana after the event.
Following the success of today's forum, audiences can expect more dynamic discussions and critical analyses of development issues at future Juth Pakai forums planned for later this year at the National University of Laos.
For those who missed out on today's big event but who want to get a taste of the wide range of topics and ideas covered in Juth Pakai journals, visit the UNDP Lao PDR website at http://www.undplao.org/newsroom/juthpakai.php and download one of the recent issues in English or Lao Lum. It's fascinating and informative reading!
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Issues of Juth Pakai Journal are available at http://www.undplao.org/newsroom/juthpakai.php
(see in particular Issues 7 & 8 for articles by Dr Wayakone and Mr Schipani).
For more information please contact Cathy Williams or Soukphaphone Thongsavanh at the Information Office.
+ (856 21) 213395 ext 187 or 210, cathy.williams@undp.org , s oukphaphone.thongsavanh @undp.org
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