The UAE reviews its efforts in supporting the owners of determination during the “COSP18” conference

The UAE participated in the work of the eighteenth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.CosP18“It was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York during the period from 10 to 12 June, and the state’s delegation was chaired by Sana Bint Muhammad Suhail, the family minister.

During the national statement of the UAE during the general discussion, the country’s firm commitment to support and empowerment of people of determination, noting their distinguished capabilities and their right to equal opportunities to participate in the renaissance of the homeland.

She said, “In the UAE, we believe that persons with disabilities, or as we call them ‘people of determination’, are partners in building the homeland, who possess capabilities worthy of appreciation and equal opportunities for empowerment and participation, and from this standpoint, the state adopted a comprehensive approach to building a society that embraces all its members based on the values ​​of tolerance and justice.”

She added that the UAE has made remarkable progress in enabling people of determination through six main axes that include health care, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation, noting that these axes are supported by a strong legislative framework, most notably Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as well as local strategies such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai strategy to integrate people of determination.

The national statement dealt with a set of achievements, such as the development of inclusive educational environments that include schools, early intervention programs, training programs and scholarships, as well as the establishment of more than 35 specialized government centers, rehabilitation and licensing more than 46 special centers to serve the owners of determination.

The statement pointed to the efforts made in the field of employment, including strengthening the inclusive work environment in the government and private sectors, and developing a friendly infrastructure for people of determination that includes transportation and public facilities, with the adoption of innovative technology to facilitate access to services.

In the health sector, the state provides integrated services that include treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support, as well as training programs that enhance the independence of people of determination, such as life skills and subsidized living options.

On the international level, Sanaa bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of the Family, shed light on the UAE hosting a group of major events, including the International Rehabilitation Conference 2024, the Special Olympic Games 2019, and the historical decision in 2019 to host the headquarters of the Asian Paralympic Committee, which are steps that confirm the UAE’s commitment to issues of people with determination at the regional and international levels.

The delegation of the UAE included the eighteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the Parties of a group of representatives of the Ministry of Family, the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, in addition to the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed High Foundation for the owners of determination, the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Human Impact, the Paralympic Committee, and the Sidra Foundation, in coordination with the permanent mission of the UAE to the United Nations.

This formation embodies the spirit of constructive cooperation and the unification of national efforts between the various government agencies and the institutions of the third sector and the private sector to enhance comprehensive support for people of determination within a sustainable and integrated system, activating joint responsibility.

On the sidelines of the session, the UAE hosted the “Forum” event, which constitutes a cultural and diplomatic event aimed at enhancing dialogue between all international parties concerned with this vital issue.

The event, which collected a large group of guests, represented a platform for exchanging ideas on ways of support and empowerment necessary for this important group.

The participation of the UAE in the eighteenth state conference confirms its pivotal role as a global leader in formulating comprehensive policies and systems.

The participation of the Emirati delegation, which brought together government agencies and public benefit institutions, embodied the comprehensive approach to the state in addressing challenges and building opportunities for people of determination.