Abu Dhabi To Host Pioneering World Congress On Rehabilitation In 2024

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), the ZHO has announced its comprehensive preparations for hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation (WCR) 2024. This event, held for the first time in the Middle East, will take place from 23-25 September 2024 at ADNEC Centre - Abu Dhabi.

This year's Congress coincides with the 20th anniversary of ZHO's establishment, a humanitarian initiative by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The theme for this year is "Work and Employment," and it is organised in partnership with RI Global and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The event is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and ADNEC Centre - Abu Dhabi.

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Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary General of ZHO, highlighted their dedication to ensuring this edition's success. He emphasised that this commitment underscores Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional hub for empowering People of Determination. The Congress serves as a global platform for discussing their needs, sharing knowledge, and exploring advanced technology and AI opportunities in rehabilitation.

The Congress will feature over 190 speakers, including 30 from the UAE, presenting 70 scientific studies across more than 30 sessions. It expects to attract over 500 participants from more than 70 countries. Attendees will include experts, academics, researchers in rehabilitation and healthcare, as well as representatives from government and private institutions working to improve life quality for People of Determination.

The opening ceremony will feature keynote addresses by Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. The first day's activities include a plenary session titled "Empowering Diversity: Inclusion, Employment, and Participation of People of Determination," chaired by Abdullah Al Humaidan and Christoph Gutenbrunner.

Gabriela Michetti, former Vice President of Argentina, will lead a discussion on "Developing Public Policies and Institutional Frameworks for Inclusion." Dr. Haifa Al-Kilani will present on "Promoting Economic Empowerment for Women of Determination." Another session titled "Global Perspectives On Disability And Inclusion" will be chaired by Abdullah Al Kamali and Michael Fox.

Infrastructure Support

Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in hosting this prestigious event at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. He noted that ADNEC Group supports such events by providing world-class infrastructure and integrated solutions that make Abu Dhabi a preferred choice for international organisers across various sectors.

He added that ADNEC Group is committed to ensuring the conference's success by offering advanced infrastructure meeting global standards. The centre provides flexible facilities capable of accommodating major events while offering full support through highly qualified teams.

Diverse Topics Covered

The second day will feature a plenary session titled "The Key Role of Social Security in Rehabilitation," led by Mohamed Azman with panelists from Zambia, Canada, Malaysia, and Senegal. Additional sessions will cover topics like work and employment in rehabilitation, AI's impact on inclusive empowerment, community rehabilitation, social security institutions' roles, plus a special training session on psychomotor treatment.

The third day begins with a plenary session titled "Fostering Inclusive Future: An Integrated Universal Approach to Education and Vocational Training." This session aims to deepen attendees' understanding on facilitating inclusion in the labour market. Afternoon sessions will explore global disability data on employment and UAE's initiatives for inclusive employment.

Commitment to Empowerment

Al Humaidan stated: "Since its inception, the UAE has dedicated significant attention to People of Determination. Our nation remains committed to empowering them through substantial investment in their rehabilitation." He expressed gratitude to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for their support in ensuring the successful hosting of this Global Rehabilitation Conference.

The Congress aims to provide innovative solutions for integrating People of Determination into society while raising awareness about their rights. This includes integrating them into job markets, ensuring equality, combating marginalisation, and enhancing career advancement opportunities in both public and private sectors.

The final day concludes with a session focused on public safety for People of Determination featuring presentations by Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim and Eitan Charnoff. Participants can earn up to 94.9 Continual Medical Education (CME) credits by attending this three-day event along with three exclusive masterclasses offered during it.

With inputs from WAM