The UAE recently participated in a symposium titled "Responding to the Needs of Persons with Disabilities in Crises & Epidemics" held in Cairo at the Arab League. The symposium was organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity in the Republic of Egypt and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The UAE was represented by Wafa Hamad Bin Sulaiman, Director of Welfare and Rehabilitation Department for People of Determination at The Ministry of Community Development, at the event. 

Delivering a presentation about the "Response Policy to the Empowerment of People of Determination in Emergencies, Crises & Disasters", Wafa Hamad bin Suleiman underlined the need to empower people of determination to help them in adapting to the pandemic or similar circumstances. In his address, the UAE official called for ensuring the provision of health, educational and employment services to people of determination through six main themes: readiness and flexibility; information and integrity; working staff; culture and awareness; cooperation and coordination; and the focus on the effects and consequences of the crisis.

Various representatives of Arab countries participated in the seminar and they lauded the UAE's exceptional efforts in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis while prioritising the needs and privacy of people of determination through a wide range of initiatives. These initiatives had certain specific objectives to ensure that people of determination are able to adapt to difficult circumstances and emerge winners. 

He further highlighted the most important achievements the UAE experienced during the pandemic in managing people of determination while considering their health, education and logistic needs. The UAE authorities strengthened guidance, distance learning, provision of health services at home, information access, remote work and enhanced studies and research to track the challenges and needs of people of determination during the pandemic.

The seminar also saw a series of discussion sessions to underline the Arab road map aimed at supporting persons with disabilities during epidemics and crises. Representatives of member states of Arab League shared experiences of response against the COVID-19 pandemic while prioritising the needs of people of determination.

SOURCE LINK: https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303042607