Mayor Lee Jae-jun of Suwon, "WTA Will Work Together to Spread Clean Toilet Culture Worldwide"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Lee Jae-jun, Mayor of Suwon and Chairman of the World Toilet Association (WTA), stated, "WTA will work together to spread clean toilet culture around the world."

On the 23rd, the mayor presided over the WTA 14th Regular Board Meeting and Interim General Assembly held in Laos, saying, "Let's work together to create 'clean toilets,' a right all humanity should enjoy," and emphasized, "Clean toilets can only be maintained through our continued attention. The WTA will do its best to build public toilets around the world, spread toilet culture, and ensure everyone has access to proper toilets."

At the regular board meeting and interim general assembly held at the Muang Thani Vientiane Hotel in Laos, the organization reported on 2023 business results and reviewed 2025 business plans and budgets. The meeting was attended by WTA executives and members, Lao government officials, representatives from Suwon City, and related organizations and agencies.

Prior to the general assembly, Mayor Lee Jae-jun attended the opening ceremony of the "Wat Simuang public toilet" built within Wat Simuang Temple in Vientiane. The Wat Simuang public toilet is the 50th public toilet built with WTA support. It features men's restrooms (3 toilets, 2 sinks, 4 urinals), women's restrooms (3 toilets, 2 sinks), and accessible restrooms (1 unisex facility).

The WTA, established in 2007, began supporting the construction of public toilets in 12 locations across 9 countries in Africa and Asia—including Ghana, Kenya, Laos, Mongolia, and Cambodia—in 2008-2009, and has since built public toilets in 50 locations across 19 countries.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun stated, "Vientiane, the capital of Laos, officially achieved ODF (Open Defecation Free) status last year, and I hope this spreads throughout Laos," adding, "I hope clean toilets will help Laos develop into a cultural powerhouse."

He further noted, "More than half of the world's 7 billion people lack proper toilet facilities and face inconvenience, and 500 million people practice open defecation."

Following the opening ceremony, Mayor Lee Jae-jun inspected the Wat Saket public toilet and That Luang public toilet, both built with support from Suwon City.

On the morning of the 24th, Mayor Lee Jae-jun met with Darany Phommavongsa, Vice Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, at the Muang Thani Vientiane Hotel to discuss ways to establish ongoing cooperation frameworks.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun stated, "Thanks to the active cooperation and support of the Lao government, we have so far supported the installation of toilets in 9 locations in Laos," and added, "I hope to continue exchanging and building a mutually beneficial relationship."

He subsequently delivered a welcome address at the opening ceremony of the 9th International Toilet Culture Conference and met with WTA board members.

The World Toilet Association was founded in 2007 at the proposal of the late Shim Jae-deok (1939-2009), former Mayor of Suwon (1st and 2nd elected terms), who had great passion for toilet culture movement. The WTA, which aims to improve public health and sanitation levels worldwide through clean toilets, is implementing the "Hope Toilet Project" to build public toilets in developing countries where toilets are scarce and sanitary conditions are poor.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun was elected as the 6th Chairman at the "WTA 6th Regular General Assembly" held at the Suwon Convention Center in May last year.