UAE Showcases Initiatives for Persons with Disabilities at COSP18
UAE reiterates commitment to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York from June 10 to 12. The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Sara Mohammed Al Suhail, the Minister of Community Development.
During the national statement delivered by the UAE, the Minister emphasized the nation's strong commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities, highlighting their unique capabilities and right to equal opportunities in contributing to national development.
In her address, the Minister stated, "In the UAE, we believe that persons with disabilities, whom we refer to as 'people of determination', are partners in nation-building, possessing capabilities that deserve recognition and equitable opportunities for empowerment and participation.
Therefore, the UAE has adopted a comprehensive approach to build an inclusive society based on values of tolerance and justice."
The national statement outlined key progress made by the UAE in empowering persons with disabilities across six main areas: healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation.
These areas are supported by a robust legislative framework, notably Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, along with local strategies such as the Abu Dhabi and Dubai strategies for the integration of people of determination.
Among the achievements highlighted were the development of inclusive educational environments, covering schools, early intervention programs, training initiatives, and scholarship programs, as well as the establishment of over 35 government centers specializing in services for people of determination and the accreditation of more than 46 private centers.
The statement also addressed efforts in employment, including the promotion of an inclusive workplace environment in both the public and private sectors, and the development of disability-friendly infrastructure encompassing transportation and public facilities, alongside the adoption of innovative technologies to facilitate access to services.
In the healthcare sector, the UAE provides integrated services that include therapy, rehabilitation, and psychological support, as well as training programs designed to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities, such as life skills and supported living options.
On an international scale, H.E. Sara Mohammed Al Suhail underscored the UAE's hosting of several major events, including the International Rehabilitation Conference in 2024, the Special Olympics in 2019, and the historic decision in 2019 to host the Asian Paralympic Committee headquarters, steps affirming the UAE's commitment to disability issues at both regional and global levels.
The UAE delegation at COSP18 included representatives from the Ministry of Community Development, the Dubai Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Mohammed bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, the Paralympic Committee, and Sidra Foundation, coordinated with the UAE's permanent mission to the United Nations.
This delegation exemplifies a collaborative spirit and unification of national efforts among various government entities and civil society organizations to enhance comprehensive support for persons with disabilities within a sustainable and integrated framework that activates shared responsibility.
Alongside the conference, the UAE hosted an event titled "The Forum," which serves as a cultural and diplomatic occasion aimed at fostering dialogue among global stakeholders regarding this vital topic.
The event brought together a diverse group of guests, providing a platform for exchanging ideas on necessary support and empowerment for this important demographic.
The UAE's participation in the 18th Conference of States Parties underscores its pivotal role as a global leader in shaping inclusive policies and systems.
The presence of the Emirati delegation, which included both governmental bodies and public benefit organizations, reflects the state's comprehensive approach to tackling challenges and building opportunities for persons with disabilities.
During the national statement delivered by the UAE, the Minister emphasized the nation's strong commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities, highlighting their unique capabilities and right to equal opportunities in contributing to national development.
In her address, the Minister stated, "In the UAE, we believe that persons with disabilities, whom we refer to as 'people of determination', are partners in nation-building, possessing capabilities that deserve recognition and equitable opportunities for empowerment and participation.
Therefore, the UAE has adopted a comprehensive approach to build an inclusive society based on values of tolerance and justice."
The national statement outlined key progress made by the UAE in empowering persons with disabilities across six main areas: healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation.
These areas are supported by a robust legislative framework, notably Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, along with local strategies such as the Abu Dhabi and Dubai strategies for the integration of people of determination.
Among the achievements highlighted were the development of inclusive educational environments, covering schools, early intervention programs, training initiatives, and scholarship programs, as well as the establishment of over 35 government centers specializing in services for people of determination and the accreditation of more than 46 private centers.
The statement also addressed efforts in employment, including the promotion of an inclusive workplace environment in both the public and private sectors, and the development of disability-friendly infrastructure encompassing transportation and public facilities, alongside the adoption of innovative technologies to facilitate access to services.
In the healthcare sector, the UAE provides integrated services that include therapy, rehabilitation, and psychological support, as well as training programs designed to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities, such as life skills and supported living options.
On an international scale, H.E. Sara Mohammed Al Suhail underscored the UAE's hosting of several major events, including the International Rehabilitation Conference in 2024, the Special Olympics in 2019, and the historic decision in 2019 to host the Asian Paralympic Committee headquarters, steps affirming the UAE's commitment to disability issues at both regional and global levels.
The UAE delegation at COSP18 included representatives from the Ministry of Community Development, the Dubai Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Mohammed bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, the Paralympic Committee, and Sidra Foundation, coordinated with the UAE's permanent mission to the United Nations.
This delegation exemplifies a collaborative spirit and unification of national efforts among various government entities and civil society organizations to enhance comprehensive support for persons with disabilities within a sustainable and integrated framework that activates shared responsibility.
Alongside the conference, the UAE hosted an event titled "The Forum," which serves as a cultural and diplomatic occasion aimed at fostering dialogue among global stakeholders regarding this vital topic.
The event brought together a diverse group of guests, providing a platform for exchanging ideas on necessary support and empowerment for this important demographic.
The UAE's participation in the 18th Conference of States Parties underscores its pivotal role as a global leader in shaping inclusive policies and systems.
The presence of the Emirati delegation, which included both governmental bodies and public benefit organizations, reflects the state's comprehensive approach to tackling challenges and building opportunities for persons with disabilities.