UN Conference Sets Stage for Arab Solidarity on Disability Rights
Bahrain's Minister of Social Development, H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al Asfoor, chaired a key ministerial meeting of Arab states on the sidelines of the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Al Asfoor led the gathering as President of the 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, hosted by the League of Arab States. The high-level meeting brought together ministers and heads of delegations from across the Arab world to discuss strengthening collective efforts in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
In his opening remarks, Minister Al Asfoor highlighted Bahrain's unwavering dedication—under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—to building an inclusive society that safeguards the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. He emphasized Bahrain's continued efforts to implement policies and legislation that promote full integration and equal opportunities for all.
Al Asfoor praised the United Nations' pivotal role in supporting disability and social development agendas, while also commending the strong and fruitful partnership between the UN and Arab states in advancing these causes.
The minister called for deeper regional collaboration, greater exchange of successful practices, and intensified joint action to create comprehensive and sustainable solutions for people with disabilities. He underscored the importance of fulfilling international commitments and aligning Arab efforts with global standards.
Before concluding, Al Asfoor expressed his gratitude to the General Secretariat of the Arab League—particularly its UN mission and the council's technical secretariat—for organizing the meeting. He lauded the Arab world's ongoing efforts to protect and empower persons with disabilities, noting that such initiatives reflect a shared regional resolve to present a unified voice on the global stage.
The meeting also marked a crucial moment of coordination ahead of the Second World Summit on Social Development, scheduled to take place in the State of Qatar this November—an event anticipated to reinforce Arab and international momentum around disability rights and inclusive development.
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