Zayed Higher Organisation Champions Empowerment For People Of Determination At COSP18 Conference

The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) showcased inspiring narratives and innovative solutions at the COSP18 conference in New York. The event focused on inclusive development through disability-inclusive action and partnerships. ZHO emphasised the UAE's commitment to empowering People of Determination globally, urging for comprehensive partnerships to ensure their inclusion in all aspects of life.

During the session, Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, highlighted the UAE's dedication to sustainable inclusion. He stated, "Our participation in this event reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to making inclusion and integration a sustainable approach that guarantees equal opportunities for People of Determination to participate, excel, and lead." His remarks underscored the importance of collective action for global inclusion.

The session organised by ZHO, in collaboration with the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN and Rehabilitation International, gathered experts worldwide. They called for joint efforts to empower People of Determination across borders. The message was clear: true empowerment requires partnership and placing diversity at the heart of policies and programmes.

Abdullah Al Kamali from ZHO presented a paper titled "Success Stories and Inclusive Solutions," highlighting achievements in professional empowerment. He stressed that People of Determination have immense potential if society believes in them. Al Kamali noted that inclusion is about recognising human potential and ensuring dignity and participation.

ZHO announced launching the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies during the session. This research platform aims to enhance scientific impact globally for People of Determination. Developed with Rehabilitation International, it seeks to promote research that positively affects their lives worldwide.

Mira Al Shamsi, a genomic analyst at ZHO, emphasised health as a fundamental right for all, especially persons with disabilities. She advocated redesigning health systems based on equality principles from the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). She highlighted ZHO's data-driven approach in tailoring health interventions considering genetic diversity.

Personal Journeys

Hamad Hazza Al Darmaki shared his journey as a coach at Al Ain Club for People of Determination. He founded the first football team for the Deaf in the UAE after studying in the US. His efforts include developing an Emirati Sign Language Dictionary with ZHO to preserve cultural identity.

Maryam Al Qubaisi, an activist diagnosed with MS at 17, spoke about her initiative "Inclusive Design for Inclusion." She said, "True innovation begins when we design technology with, not for, People of Determination." Her work focuses on ensuring technology includes everyone rather than advancing without consideration.

Commitment to Inclusion

Al Humaidan addressed participants from various countries: "People of Determination are not just a topic for discussion at conferences—they are partners in policymaking and solutions." This belief is reflected in partnerships across public and private sectors and international organisations.

ZHO's initiatives extend beyond care services; they build an empowerment ecosystem recognising every individual's role regardless of abilities. This commitment aligns with UAE policies implemented by ZHO across its initiatives.

The event concluded by reinforcing UAE's commitment to CRPD principles ensuring accessible health systems based on human rights. Cross-sector partnerships are crucial for empowering persons with disabilities as rights-holders rather than mere service recipients.

With inputs from WAM