International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024

Deputy General Director, Mr. Soulyvong Lanorsavanh, Department of Policy for Devotee, Disability and Elderly of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare;

Ms. Chanhpheng Sivila, Director of Women with Disabilities Association;

Representatives from the Government;

Representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and other civil society organisations;

Dear participants;  

Sabaidee, 

It is my honor to join you today to celebrate the National and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day gives us all a chance to reflect on our progress toward a more inclusive and equitable society and to reaffirm our commitment to the rights, dignity, and leadership of persons with disabilities.

First, a heartfelt thank you to the Lao Disabled People’s Association for bringing us together for this important celebration. Events like this remind us of the great contributions persons with disabilities make to our communities every day. From the vibrant booths to the inspiring performances by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, today is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the strength that diversity brings to us all.

The United Nations Secretary-General rightfully stated that in every community, persons with disabilities are changemakers and peacemakers. 

They are also leaders. Around the world, they are providing solutions to the challenges we face—yet, too often, they are denied the chance to lead. This has to change, and it will. With the global Pact for the Future now in place, we are one step closer to addressing these injustices and creating a world that values everyone’s voice, including persons with disabilities of all ages.   

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” speaks to that vision. It’s a call to make sure persons with disabilities are not only part of the conversation but are leading the way. Here in Lao PDR, the United Nations is continuously working to contribute to this vision. In our dedicated working group on disability inclusion, co-chaired by the UN Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation in Lao PDR, we are finding new ways to make the UN and our programmes more inclusive and impactful, following the Secretary-General’s Disability Inclusion Strategy. But we know we cannot do this alone. 

True progress is impossible without you, the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities. It’s about working together—through meaningful collaboration, open dialogue, and shared efforts. Events like today’s are a wonderful example of this collaboration, and we’re proud to support them.

In Lao PDR, the United Nations has committed to supporting the Government in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD is a key foundation for advancing the rights and full participation of persons with disabilities. It provides a clear framework to remove barriers, uphold equality, and ensure that all persons with disabilities can enjoy their rights and freedoms in all aspects of life. Together, we are working to turn the principles of the CRPD into meaningful action that changes lives and strengthens communities.   

As we gather today, let’s take this as a moment to recharge our collective commitment. Whether as governments, civil society, organizations, or individuals, we each have a role to play—breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring that inclusion isn’t just a goal but a reality for everyone.

I want to finish by thanking each of you for your dedication, support and presence here today. Let us continue building a society that values, respects and celebrates diversity and ensures that no one is left behind.

Thank you.