(KPL) The opening ceremony of the 6th International Book and Culture Festival 2026 was held on March 10 at the Grand Hall of the National University of Laos (Dongdok Campus) in Vientiane under the theme “Books Connecting Cultures.”

The festival is jointly organized by D-Book Publishing, the National University of Laos, and the Department of Literature and Publishing under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Laos, with the aim of promoting a culture of reading and enhancing the Lao literary sector on the international stage.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Desanoulath Sengdouangdet, President of the National University of Laos; Ms. Chanphet Khamphong, Director General of the Department of Literature and Publishing; Mr. Thongbay Phothisane, President of the Lao Writers' Association; along with diplomats, educators, authors, students, and representatives from publishing houses and bookstores.

According to the organizing committee, the festival coincides with several important occasions, including the 30th anniversary of the National University of Laos, International Women's Day, and World Poetry Day.

This year’s event features 75 exhibition booths with participation from publishers and cultural representatives, including embassies of Vietnam, Canada, India and Cambodia.

The six-day festival includes more than 130 activities, such as the launch of 18 new book titles, panel discussions and seminars with over 40 experts and authors, including winners of the S.E.A. Write Award.

The event also features the launch of the “Investment Readiness for Women Entrepreneurs in Laos” project supported by the Asian Development Bank, as well as cultural performances and creative activities by students.

The festival runs from March 10 to 15, 2026, with free admission for students, families, and the general public. Organizers encourage visitors to participate in the activities and support the development of a reading culture and a learning society in Laos.

KPL