UNFPA Representative to Laos, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov (left), exchanges signed cooperation agreements with a representative from Kansai Gaidai University, Professor Kaz Fukuda, during an event to mark Disability Inclusion Fun Day in Vientiane on Saturday.

UNFPA-led event advocates greater inclusion for persons with disabilities

Persons with disabilities, youth, volunteers and development partners gathered in Vientiane on Saturday for a Disability Inclusion Fun Day aimed at promoting equal participation, accessibility and social inclusion in Laos.
Organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Lao PDR in partnership with Amari Vientiane, the event brought together organisations of persons with disabilities, young people, representatives of the private sector, academia, and community groups to foster greater understanding of disability inclusion and strengthen cooperation among stakeholders.
The programme featured a variety of interactive activities, including inclusive games, creative workshops, awareness booths, an introduction to sign language and artistic exchanges. Participants also had opportunities to share their experiences, talents and perspectives while discussing ways to build a more accessible and inclusive society.
The event highlighted the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to information, education, skills development and opportunities to participate fully in social and economic life.
This event also recognised the contributions of organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society groups and volunteers who continue to advocate for equal rights, accessibility and meaningful participation across the country.
Discussions also stressed the need to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, as well as protection from gender-based violence.
Speaking on behalf of participants with disabilities, a representative of Hands of Hope, Ms Santhavy Oudavone, said events such as Disability Inclusion Fun Day help create opportunities for persons with disabilities to be recognised for their abilities and contributions rather than their limitations.
“Inclusion means having the same opportunity to participate, to learn, to work and to contribute to society,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UNFPA Lao PDR and Kansai Gaidai University to strengthen cooperation in disability inclusion and social work.
The agreement is expected to support collaboration in areas including research, knowledge exchange, student engagement, volunteering, awareness-raising activities and community-based initiatives.
Through the partnership, both sides aim to connect academic expertise with practical efforts to support persons with disabilities and promote inclusive development in Laos.
UNFPA Representative in the Lao PDR, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, said inclusion means ensuring that every person can participate fully in society and enjoy equal access to information, education, employment and opportunities for personal development.
He said the event demonstrated how communities, educational institutions, businesses and development partners can work together to remove barriers and create opportunities for all people to live with safety, dignity and equal rights.
Professor Kaz Fukuda of Kansai Gaidai University said the partnership offers an opportunity to connect academic learning with community engagement while helping students and professionals gain practical experience in disability inclusion and social work.
He expressed hope that the cooperation would contribute to greater awareness, stronger support networks and a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities in Laos.
Disability Inclusion Fun Day served as a reminder that inclusion is built through everyday actions, including listening to diverse voices, challenging stereotypes, improving accessibility and creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in society.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 19, 2026)