Zayed Authority For People Of Determination Signs MoU With International Disability Alliance To Enhance Global Cooperation

The UAE's involvement in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha saw a significant development. The Zayed Authority for People of Determination (ZAPoD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Disability Alliance (IDA). This agreement aims to enhance knowledge exchange and global initiatives to empower People of Determination, highlighting the UAE's leadership in social inclusion and sustainable development.

Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Director-General of ZAPoD, and Dr Nawaf Kabbara, President of IDA, signed the MoU. Representatives from international organisations attended the event. The agreement underscores ZAPoD’s dedication to forming strategic alliances with key international bodies focused on disability rights. It aims to broaden global cooperation in training, research, and sharing successful experiences.

The MoU outlines plans to support the Global Disability Summit 2028 by providing advisory and technical expertise. It also explores Abu Dhabi's potential role as host for the Global Disability Summit 2031, in collaboration with IDA. Workshops and training programmes are part of this initiative to foster knowledge exchange and social innovation for People of Determination.

Abdullah Al Humaidan emphasised that this MoU marks a new chapter in ZAPoD’s international cooperation efforts. He stated that inclusivity is not just a slogan but a national commitment reflected in policies that impact lives positively. "At the Zayed Authority, we believe that inclusivity is not merely a slogan — it is a national and humanitarian commitment translated into actionable policies that create tangible impact in people’s lives."

Through this partnership, ZAPoD aims to unify global efforts supporting policies that ensure rights and expand social participation opportunities for People of Determination. This aligns with their 2026 Strategy focusing on empowerment, sustainability, innovation, and community inclusion.

Dr Nawaf Kabbara praised the UAE's approach to integrating persons with disabilities as an international model. He said, "The UAE’s experience in integrating and empowering persons with disabilities has become an international model to emulate." The MoU establishes a robust partnership with ZAPoD to develop global initiatives for more inclusive societies.

Collaborative Efforts for Global Impact

Under this agreement, both parties will organise joint events during international conferences. They will participate in specialised United Nations committees and develop reports based on global best practices. This collaboration reflects ZAPoD’s ongoing commitment to continuing the UAE’s legacy of leadership in disability rights.

ZAPoD aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for positive impact in disability rights and empowerment. This aligns with the leadership's vision of prioritising human development at its core. The partnership seeks to build bridges of international cooperation for lasting change.

This collaboration between ZAPoD and IDA signifies a step forward in promoting social justice globally. By working together, they aim to create more equitable opportunities for People of Determination worldwide while reinforcing the UAE's role as a leader in this field.

With inputs from WAM