Welcome to the United Nations
Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) reaffirmed its leadership in global disability inclusion by hosting an official side event at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Held in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the UN and Rehabilitation International (RI), the event was titled “Enabling Inclusive Development Through Disability-Inclusive Action and Effective Partnerships”.
The event brought together global leaders, experts, and advocates to showcase proven models, share lived experiences, and strengthen international cooperation for inclusive development. ZHO’s call was clear: inclusive futures must be built on intentional partnerships that place human diversity and rights at the center of all systems and services.
Opening Remarks: Inclusion Rooted in National Commitment
H.E. Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General, Zayed Higher Organization.
Vice President, RI (MENA Region)
H.E. Al Humaidan emphasized the UAE’s inclusive development model as a framework grounded in dignity, equity, and sustainability:
“We are not here to promote achievements, we are here to share a model rooted in trust in people. Inclusion is not optional. It is essential to building fair and resilient societies”.
Building Inclusive Systems Through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships
Prof. Christoph Gutenbrunner, President, Rehabilitation International
Professor emeritus of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Germany
Prof. Gutenbrunner presented Rehabilitation International’s vision for strengthening CRPD implementation through coordinated multi-stakeholder action. He outlined a strategic framework involving four key groups: governments, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions.
“To leave no one behind, we need more than policy, we need partnership. From inclusive health and education to accessible technology and employment, progress demands shared responsibility”.
From Vocational Empowerment to Economic Inclusion
Mr. Abdullah Al Kamali, Executive Director, People of Determination Sector, ZHO
Mr. Al Kamali shared ZHO’s pioneering efforts in building pathways to economic inclusion, including the launch of the UAE’s first national vocational qualification tailored for persons with disabilities. This program has opened doors to real employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
“Inclusion is not only about providing services, it is about unlocking potential and investing in people. We must move beyond care models to empowerment models that build lasting independence”.
Advancing Inclusive Employment Through Rights-Based Systems
Dr. Madan M. Kundu, Deputy vice president, Rehabilitation International- North America & Canada region
Dr. Kundu highlighted the urgency of implementing Article 27 of the CRPD on the right to work. He called attention to the gaps in inclusive employment, especially in low-income countries and presented a systems approach grounded in global conventions, professional training, and validated assessment models.
“Work is not just economic, it is dignity, identity, and inclusion. Let’s ensure Article 27 becomes a reality in every country, for every person”.
Expanding Access to Inclusive Higher Education
Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist, Professor and Director, University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID)
Dr. Schiro-Geist presented the TigerLIFE model, an inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She shared data-driven outcomes that demonstrate success in employment, independence, and reduced reliance on public support.
“Disability inclusion in higher education is not charity, it is equity. With the right support, students with disabilities can thrive, lead, and reshape systems for the better”.
From Disability to Leadership in Sports
Mr. Hamad Hazzaa Al Darmaki, Coach, Al Ain Club for People of Determination, Zayed Higher Organization.
A person with a hearing disability, Mr. Al Darmaki recounted his journey of creating the UAE’s first Deaf football team and co-developing the Emirati Sign Language Dictionary.
“Empowerment means writing our own story, through sports, through leadership, and through identity”.
Health Inclusion Starts Before Birth
Ms. Meera Al Shamsi, Genomic Genetics Analyst, Zayed Higher Organization.
Vice Chair, Health and Functioning Commission,
Ms. Al Shamsi presented ZHO’s integrated approach to inclusive health, from genomic screening to personalized interventions that account for genetic and social diversity.
“Inclusive health is a human right. We must design systems with and for persons with disabilities, grounded in data, dignity, and equity”.
Advocacy Through Lived Experience
Ms. Maryam Al Qubaisi, Disability Advocate and MS Ambassador
Ms. Al Qubaisi shared her personal story of resilience and innovation. Through her leadership in inclusive design and youth engagement, she championed co-creation in technology and public systems.
“The real barriers are not in our bodies but in outdated perceptions. When we design with, not for, we begin to innovate truly”.
Closing Highlight: Launch of the International Journal of Rehabilitation & Disability Studies
The event concluded with the announcement of the International Journal of Rehabilitation & Disability Studies, an interdisciplinary platform launched by Zayed Higher Organization in collaboration with Rehabilitation International. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and case studies on topics such as rehabilitation techniques, disability rights, assistive technologies, inclusive practices, and societal inclusion.
By bridging academic research, policy development, and practical implementation, the journal aims to serve as a global platform for evidence-based innovation that transforms the lives of persons with disabilities and informs inclusive policy and practice worldwide.
UN WebTV recording: Watch here
