Vientiane: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), conducted a series of inclusive celebrations involving over 200 individuals with disabilities, alongside students, teachers, families, and community members. The morning event focused on fostering participation, dignity, and shared joy among all attendees.
According to Lao News Agency, the celebration followed a joint visit to disability organizations, where students and UNFPA staff had the opportunity to learn about the lived experiences and daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The event aimed to turn these conversations into action through sports and arts activities, creating an inclusive environment for everyone to participate and express themselves.
Hosted on a school campus with UNFPA's support, the program featured blind football, basketball, and swimming sessions led by National Paralympic athletes. Creative workshops and handicraft demonstrations were facilitated by XonPhao and the Lao Disabled Women's Development Center. These activities were supported by OPDs and dedicated school teachers, showcasing the talent and leadership of persons with disabilities.
Participants found the event impactful. Bounjop, an athlete from the Blind Football Federation Laos, expressed his excitement, noting the importance of inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Similarly, Lao National Paralympic swimmer Pongsavanh highlighted the opportunity for people with disabilities to demonstrate their skills, emphasizing that physical limitations do not define their abilities.
Mr. Kham-ngor Phongphana, another Paralympic swimmer, appreciated the public recognition given to people with disabilities. The gathering also served as a platform for sharing knowledge and skills through handicraft activities, underscoring the belief that disability does not limit one's ability to lead a fulfilling life or contribute to society.
UNFPA thanked the Government of Australia for its financial support and the network of persons with disabilities for mobilizing members in art and sport. Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative in Lao PDR, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone is valued, noting that the event demonstrated the potential of collective commitment.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony for the 16 Days of Activism, featuring a diversity and inclusion walk and a theater performance by persons with disabilities. UNFPA stressed its continued engagement with organizations of persons with disabilities to promote equal participation and advance an inclusive Lao PDR.
