Cambodia, Laos sign 2026-2030 MoU to Advance Women's Rights

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 23 July 2026

Cambodia and Laos reaffirmed their commitment to improving women's empowerment and gender equality with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the promotion of women's rights, protection of legal rights of women, and to foster cooperation between the two countries.

On the 22nd of July 2026, the agreement was signed by both sides, Men Sam An, Supreme Advisor to the King and President of the Cambodian Women's Association for Peace and Development and Aly Vongnobountham, President of the Lao Women's Union, at the General Department of Taxation headquarters in Phnom Penh, in a signing ceremony.

The new agreement restates the existing collaboration between the two women's groups and sets the groundwork for increased collaboration for the next five years. It seeks to promote women's rights and gender equality, strengthen the legal protection for women, promote leadership development, and community-based programs and initiatives for women in both countries.

Key Highlights:

• Cambodia and Laos sign a new 2026–2030 women's rights MoU
• Partnership expands cooperation on women's empowerment and legal protection
• Agreement strengthens bilateral ties and promotes gender equality

Men Sam An made a presentation on the history of co-operation between the two organizations at the event. She said that there was a cooperation agreement between the Cambodian Women's Association for Peace and Development (CWAPD) and Lao Women's Union in 2014-2016. Both organizations have been working together closely for the exchange and joint works closely, especially at the border provinces between Cambodia and Laos, although the renewal of the agreement has been postponed due to unexpected events including some disturbances that occurred in recent years.

The new MOU would help boost women's rights and safeguard their legitimate interests, as well as deepen friendship, solidarity, and complete cooperation between women in Cambodia and Laos, she said. Aside from that, the partnership will also help the peace and stability in the region, helping the border area between Cambodia and Laos to become a peaceful, friendly and sustainable area, Sam An said. She also added that it would also be useful for citizens of both countries to cooperate for the development of their economy and economic life.

The signing ceremony happened along with a four-day official visit to Cambodia by the Lao delegation, led by Visayaly Vongnobountham. The visit is part of the two organizations' efforts to enhance cooperation and mutual relations in the area of women's empowerment, leadership, social development, and community. It also underscores the mutual importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges with each other beyond the line of diplomatic relations.

The Cambodian Women's Association for Peace and Development (CWAPD) and Lao Women's Union have collaborated on various projects for over 10 years to foster gender equality, women's leadership, community development and cross-border cooperation. The recently signed MoU for 2026-2030 is a new plan which will serve as a guideline for the implementation of joint programs, exchange of experiences and sharing of best practices to promote women's involvement in social and economic development.

Their partnership is reaffirmed by Cambodia and Laos, which shows their dedication to empower women, protect their rights, and to promote regional cooperation. The agreement is expected to enhance the cooperation between the two organisations further and inclusive development, friendship and empowerment of women in both countries as well.