Call to empower special persons

Stakeholders vow to enable PWDs to break the chains of poverty

ISLAMABAD:

Representatives from various UN agencies, foreign missions, experts, and rights activists Friday pledged to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan, enabling them to break the chains of poverty and unlock their boundless potential.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) in collaboration with the Australian High Commission celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign on the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

This year's theme "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities" emphasises the collective efforts required to work collaboratively toward achieving the SDGs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are active partners in this endeavour and that their unique perspectives are valued.

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The senior representatives of the UNFPA, Australian High Commission, Government Officials, representatives of various NGOs working on inclusivity and resilience building, academic fraternity, and the public from various walks of life participated in the event. During the event, accessibility was ensured for persons with disabilities, including venue accessibility, international sign language interpretation, and live captioning.

UNFPA’s Deputy Representative Latika Maskey Pardhan said that through over four decades of partnership, Australia remains dedicated to enhancing the inclusion of PWDs in Pakistan's humanitarian and developmental landscape. From championing initiatives in gender equality, food, and water security to tackling climate change, Australia stands firm in its support, he added. Whether through grassroot

“We affirm our pledge to empower PWDs in Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2023.