NAYA Community Network, in partnership with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), organised a community dialogue session, entitled: "His Majesty King Abdullah II's Speech at the Third World Disability Summit - Jordan's Experience and Participation in Organising the Summit", held at the network's headquarters.
The session focused on the importance of translating the contents of the royal speech into national policies and practical steps, particularly with regard to empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in various aspects of life. Participants called for an active role for civil society organisations in monitoring and following up on the implementation of these commitments, in cooperation with the public and private sectors.
Representing HCD, Zaid Al-Atari reviewed the national context and the official efforts exerted in organising the summit, formulating its main themes, and submitting more than 130 commitments by national institutions to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. He stressed that the royal participation had a significant impact on stimulating national efforts to implement these commitments.
Rafat Badran, Director General of NAYA Community Network, delivered a statement on behalf of civil society, emphasising the importance of developing community oversight mechanisms and building long-term partnerships to implement national commitments related to the rights of persons with disabilities.
The session included an inspiring participation by Ahmed Abu Rayan, a representative of persons with disabilities, who shared his experience participating in the Berlin Summit. He highlighted the importance of genuine representation and influence in international forums and what this signifies for personal and collective empowerment.
The session featured interactive discussions and interventions from the audience, which addressed ways to enhance coordination between government agencies and civil society organizations, and to expand the participation of persons with disabilities in policy-making, ensuring their full inclusion without discrimination.
This session is part of Naya Network's efforts to create community dialogue spaces that reflect national and human rights priorities and support comprehensive reform from a participatory perspective.
