Qatar has affirmed its commitment to providing the best services and privileges for people with disabilities through several references, based on its commitment to the state's permanent constitution and its 2030 national vision, as well as national development strategies.
This was in a speech delivered by HE Assistant Minister for Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassem Al-Thani, during the Second Arab Decade Forum for Persons with Disabilities 2023 - 2032, currently taking place in the Tunisian capital Tunis.
Her Excellency highlighted the achievements of Qatar in supporting and empowering people with disabilities, as well as the role of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, which chairs the 42nd session of the Arab Council of Social Affairs Ministers, in adopting several initiatives that support full integration of persons with disabilities. These initiatives include the Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities 2023 - 2032 and the Arab Classification for Persons with Disabilities, both of which are significant accomplishments for the Arab region in this regard.
Sheikha Sheikha Al-Thani also highlighted Qatar's efforts during its hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with regards to providing all means for the participation of people with disabilities in the tournament and enjoying the matches. She described the tournament as the most inclusive edition for people with disabilities in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Furthermore, Her Excellency noted that as part of Qatar's commitment to giving Qatari people with disabilities the opportunity to highlight their global issues and leadership, Qatari youth Ghanim Al Muftah played a crucial role in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Al Muftah also holds the position of Goodwill Ambassador for the country and has participated in various international conferences and forums, with his latest participation being at the United Nations Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023.
In conclusion, HE Sheikha Sheikha Al-Thani invited everyone to participate in the Arab multidimensional social development forum, which Qatar will host from Oct. 22 to 26. The forum will feature the second Arab exhibition for productive families alongside several high-level meetings, including the second session of the Independence Living Initiative for Persons with Disabilities, and various honorary competitions.
The Second Arab Decade Forum for Persons with Disabilities 2023 - 2032 discusses legislations, policies, social, health, and educational services, as well as ensuring independent living for this group. It also focuses on their participation in political, cultural, and sports activities. The forum addresses the mechanisms for implementing the 17 axes of the Second Arab Decade, which stemmed from the decision of the 32nd Arab Summit held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May of the previous year. Additionally, Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, who is Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, affirmed in her speech that the outcomes and recommendations of this forum will be presented at the Arab Development Summit to be held in Mauritania, following their presentation to the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs, in order to implement them collectively.
Source: Qatar News Agency