Laos

Anan Bouapha is an internationally renowned human rights leader, and the founder of Laos’ first LGBTQI rights organization. As founder of Proud To Be Us Laos, Anan is dedicated to promoting equal rights for people within sexual and gender diversity communities. He is referred by the Huffington Post as the leader of the country’s nascent LGBTQI movement. He is working to integrate LGBTQI rights into national development, tackling the cultural, legal and normative barriers facing the community. His work started in HIV/AIDS prevention, and has evolved to encompass broad political and policy advocacy across the field of inclusive development, leveraging international human rights frameworks. He brings the concept of diversity and inclusion at the workplace and continues raising awareness in Laos. Several major employers such as state enterprises, corporates, private enterprises collaborate and promote this concept alongside with his organization’s advocacy campaign. Because of this, Proud To Be Us Laos was ranked in the Top 9 World LGBT Change Heroes by The Guardian.

Anan’s passion for LGBTQI rights has seen him travel to the United States, Paris and London, to undertake studies and immerse himself in new approaches. In 2009, he received the Global UGRAD scholarship to study at the University of Wyoming, In 2014, he received a prestigious Australia Awards Fellowship to study social health and policy at UNSW, where he gained valuable insights and relationships that continue to shape his work in Laos. Anan was also awarded the UK’s most prestigious bursary “Chevening” supported by the Foreign and the Commonwealth Office, to complete a master's degree in development and human rights at Goldsmiths, University of London. In 2017, he was also awarded the Bourses du Gouvernement Français by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue the second master's degree in human rights and humanitarian action at France’s prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies.

Anan continues to work with policy makers, government leaders, universities, and youth groups through Laos, to champion further legislation and policies to protect LGBTQI people in Laos.

Vatthana Inthalucksa is an esteemed scholar within the International Relations Department at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, National University of Laos, where he has earned distinction as the highest achieving student in Laos, based on his exceptional GPA. Renowned for his unwavering dedication, ingenuity, and boundless enthusiasm, Vatthana exhibits remarkable proficiency in multitasking and organizational prowess.

As the inaugural president of ALSA International (Asian Law Students’ Association) from Lao PDR, overseeing 17 national chapters, 100+ universities, and 22,000 members, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership. Additionally, he has represented the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot, showcasing his expertise in legal advocacy.

Furthermore, Vatthana serves as a youth influencer for the UNDP (United Nations Development Program in Lao PDR), championing gender equality and empowerment with his mantra, “Every Gender Can Be a Leader.” His dedication to societal advancement extends beyond borders, as evidenced by his innovative project, ALL Ears, aimed at raising awareness about HIV/TB and malaria in South Africa, developed during his tenure as a researcher at Geneva University.

During his tenure at Presbyterian College in South Carolina, Vatthana assumed leadership as an LGBTQ advocate, promoting diversity and inclusivity through impactful speaking engagements. His unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to shine brightly resonates deeply, inspiring positive change and fostering a more equitable and inclusive world.

Duangdaophet Keobounphanh has two years of experience in climate action in Laos. She is currently a final year student and deputy leader of the Climate Action Team, dedicated to environmental protection and climate initiatives. In her senior year, she also serves as the president of the 27th batch of political science students at the National University of Laos. Duangdaophet was one of four distinguished delegates representing Laos at the esteemed Youth Ecosperity Dialogue 2023 in Singapore, highlighting her exceptional achievements. Besides her environmental efforts, she won the national round of the 22nd Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition and represented Laos in the international round in Hong Kong. 

Her dedication to advocacy and social change is further exemplified by her involvement with organizations such as the Asian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) and Zero Waste Laos. As a member of ALSA and Deputy Leader of the Climate Action Team at Zero Waste Laos, she played instrumental roles in organizing climate-related events, fostering environmental awareness, and advocating for positive change within her community.

Duangdaophet is also an alumna of the Global UGRAD program, during which she studied economics, critter, and environment at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, United States. She is expected to obtain her bachelor’s degree in political science from the National University of Laos in October. 

Donemeuangkham Sibounthanh is a dynamic professional specializing in interpretation, translation, client relations, and communications. She currently holds the roles of client relation officer, junior interpreter, communications champion at Akara Sole Company Limited after completing her bachelor's degree in business administration in 2023.

Donemeuangkham began her journey with the prestigious Global UGRAD Exchange Program at Emporia State University in Kansas. Since her return, she has actively contributed to advancing the activities of the American Center and the U.S. Embassy. Her efforts primarily focus on promoting the UGRAD program through various communication initiatives, including supporting events and utilizing social media platforms.

Besides, Donemeuangkham has also been serving as a contract consultant by supporting ChildFund – Australia Rugby Sports for Development and the Lao Rugby Federation on promoting life skills, gender equality, inclusion, and rugby.

Antyka Xayaphone graduated from the National University of Laos with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. She is an alumna of the Global UGRAD program 2021-2022. One of her most interesting lessons from the program was her small research project on what people at New England College think about waste management in the area.

Currently, she works as a carbon policy assistance consultant at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in the Lao PDR office. She has been supporting the project team in conducting research to assist in the development of policy documents and knowledge products related to the Paris Agreement. Prior to joining GGGI, she worked as a data collector and evaluation assistant, gaining deeper insights into Lao rural livelihoods and healthcare provision in those areas.

In addition to her academic background, Antyka has been involved in a volunteer project called “College Major” with some Global UGRAD senior alumni. The project provides a platform for high school students to access information on university courses available in Laos, helping them make informed decisions before choosing their field of study.