Suwon Mayor Yi Jae-jun: "WTA will work together to promote a culture of clean toilets worldwide"

[Suwon Ilbo=Staff Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Yi Jae-jun, mayor of Suwon and chairman of the World Toilet Association (WTA), stated, "The WTA will work together to promote a culture of clean toilets throughout the world."

The mayor presided over the WTA's 14th Regular Board Meeting and Extraordinary General Assembly held in Laos on the 23rd, saying "Let the WTA work together to create 'clean toilets,' a right that all humanity should enjoy," and emphasized, "Clean toilets can only be maintained through our continued attention. The WTA will do its utmost to construct public toilets around the world and disseminate toilet culture so that everyone can use proper facilities."

At the Regular Board Meeting and Extraordinary General Assembly held at the Muang Thane Vientiane Hotel in Laos, reports on 2023 business results were presented, and 2025 business plans and budgets were deliberated. The meeting was attended by WTA executives and members, Laos government officials, a Suwon City delegation, and representatives from related companies and organizations.

Prior to the general assembly, Mayor Yi Jae-jun attended the completion ceremony of the "Wat Simuang Public Toilet" constructed within the Wat Simuang Temple in Vientiane. The Wat Simuang Public Toilet is the 50th public toilet constructed with WTA support. It features male toilets (3 water closets, 2 sinks, 4 urinals), female toilets (3 water closets, 2 sinks), and accessible toilets (1 unisex facility).

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

Mayor Yi Jae-jun stated, "Last year, Vientiane, the capital of Laos, officially achieved ODF (Open Defecation Free) status, and I hope this expands throughout Laos," adding, "I hope that clean toilets will contribute to Laos's development as a cultural powerhouse."

He further noted, "Among the world's 7 billion people, more than half lack proper toilets and face inconvenience, and 500 million people practice open defecation."

Following the completion ceremony, Mayor Yi Jae-jun inspected the Wat Saket Public Toilet and Tat Luang Public Toilet, which were constructed with support from Suwon City.

On the morning of the 24th, the mayor met with Darany Phommavongsa, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, at the Muang Thane Vientiane Hotel to discuss ways to establish a system of continuous cooperation.

Mayor Yi Jae-jun stated, "Thanks to the active cooperation and support of the Laos government, we have thus far supported the installation of toilets in 9 locations in Laos," and expressed hope that "we will continue to maintain exchanges and build a relationship of mutual benefit."

He then delivered welcoming remarks 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 Suwon mayor (elected 1st and 2nd terms), who was passionate about toilet culture advocacy. With the goal of improving the sanitation and hygiene levels of people worldwide through clean toilets, the WTA is implementing the "Toilets of Hope Project," which constructs public toilets in developing countries where toilet facilities are insufficient and sanitary conditions are poor.

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