Vientiane Capital, 14 June 2026 — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Lao PDR, in partnership with Amari Vientiane, organized a Disability Inclusion Fun Day, bringing together persons with disabilities, youth, partners, volunteers and community representatives for an afternoon of learning, exchange, creativity and celebration.
The event aimed to promote inclusion, dignity and equal participation of persons with disabilities, while creating a friendly space for interaction between young people, organizations of persons with disabilities, the private sector, academia and development partners.
The programme featured a range of interactive activities, including inclusive games, creative workshops, awareness booths, a sign language introduction, artistic exchanges and opportunities for participants to share their experiences and talents. The event also highlighted the importance of access to sexual and reproductive health information, protection from gender-based violence, social inclusion, skills-building and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of participants with disabilities, Ms. Santhavy Oudavone, a representative from Hands of Hope said: “Events like this are important because they allow us to be seen not only for our physical condition, but through our talents, ideas and dreams. Inclusion means having the same opportunity to participate, to learn, to work and to contribute to society.”
UNFPA expressed its appreciation to Amari Vientiane for hosting the event and for its growing commitment to inclusion, corporate social responsibility and community engagement. The partnership with Amari reflects the important role the private sector can play in creating accessible, respectful and inclusive spaces, while supporting opportunities for persons with disabilities and young people.
A key moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UNFPA Lao PDR and Kansai Gaidai University. The MoU will strengthen collaboration in the areas of disability inclusion and social work, including knowledge exchange, student engagement, volunteering, research, awareness-raising and support to community-based initiatives. Through this partnership, UNFPA and Kansai Gaidai University aim to bring academic expertise and youth energy closer to practical work with communities and organizations supporting persons with disabilities.
Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative in Lao PDR, said: “For us, inclusion means that every person can participate fully in society. Every person should be able to access information, make decisions, learn, work, contribute, and live with safety and dignity. Today’s event reminds us that every person has talents, aspirations and rights, and that inclusion becomes real when institutions, communities, academia, the private sector and young people work together.”
Professor Kaz Fukuda of Kansai Gaidai University said: “This partnership is an opportunity to connect academic learning with real community engagement. Through the MoU with UNFPA, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for students and professionals to learn from persons with disabilities, support social work practice, and contribute to a more inclusive society in Lao PDR.”
The event also recognized the important contributions of organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society partners and volunteers who continue to advocate for equal rights, accessibility and meaningful participation in Lao PDR.
UNFPA’s work on disability inclusion is part of its broader commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, especially women, adolescents and young people who may face multiple and intersecting barriers due to disability, gender, age, poverty, ethnicity or location. UNFPA continues to support inclusive approaches to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence prevention and response, youth empowerment and access to information and services.
The Disability Inclusion Fun Day served as a reminder that inclusion is built through everyday action: listening, adapting, opening spaces, challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in society.
