(KPL) On the occasion of World Parliament Day, Mr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR and President of the Lao Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), delivered a congratulatory message marking the 136th anniversary of the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), celebrated on June 30.

Mr. Xaysomphone expressed his honor in joining global parliaments to celebrate this important day, which commemorates the establishment of the IPU on June 30, 1889. The IPU currently comprises 181 member parliaments and includes over 46,000 parliamentarians worldwide, with women making up 27.2% of the total.

The IPU serves as a global platform for promoting peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly and the IPU officially declared June 30 as World Parliament Day, recognizing the vital role of parliaments in representing the rights, interests, and aspirations of the people.

The National Assembly of Laos became a member of the IPU on April 4, 1990, and has since been actively engaged in IPU General Assemblies and forums. These platforms allow Laos to share its socio-economic progress and voice constructive views on global peace and stability.

Mr. Xaysomphone also highlighted Laos’ preparation to participate in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and the 15th Summit of Women Parliamentarians, both to be held in Geneva in late July 2025. These events will serve as key opportunities for Laos to collaborate with international counterparts.

He praised the theme of this year’s World Parliament Day: "Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action", underlining Laos' commitment to promoting women’s full and equal participation in decision-making roles at all levels.

The Lao government has integrated Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality into its national five-year socio-economic development plan and is implementing the National Action Plan for Gender Equality (2021–2025). This includes efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and to ensure their full participation in political, economic, and social life.

Currently, 21.9% of Lao National Assembly members and 30.48% of Provincial People’s Council members are women. Laos ranks 4th in ASEAN for women's representation in parliament and aims to increase the number of female members in the upcoming 10th legislature to 30%.

Mr. Xaysomphone called on national and international stakeholders—including parliamentarians, civil society, and development partners—to strengthen cooperation and support for advancing gender equality, both domestically and globally.

He concluded by wishing all National Assembly members good health and success in their duties and called for unity in elevating the role of parliaments in building a more peaceful, stable, and just world.

KPL