The fourth meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Women plus 3 (ACW+3) opened in Vientiane, Laos on October 18 to discuss ways to boost regional cooperation in women-related issues and sustainable environment.

Addressing the event, President of the Lao Women’s Union Sysay Leudedmounsone said the event takes place while regional countries are preparing for the first ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women themed “Strengthening gender prospect and partnership among ASEAN women for sustainable environment”, which will take place in Vientiane on October 19.

She said the event is also to share experience in carrying out underway and future projects, and strengthen cooperation in women-related issues between ASEAN and three partner countries, including China , Japan and the Republic of Korea .

Participants at the event touched upon the ACW’s Action Plan for the 2011 – 2015 period, especially environmental issues, ways to narrow the gap on gender inequality, promote women’s role in leadership and others for women’s advancement.-VNA