Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) and the International Disability Alliance (IDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance joint efforts in supporting and empowering persons with special needs.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Minister of Social Development and Family, H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi; and President of IDA and President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD), Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, to bolster the rights of persons with disabilities and empower them to take part fully and equally in all facets of life.

The signing ceremony took place alongside the preparatory activities for the Global Disability Summit 2028, to be hosted at Multaqa (Education City Student Center), Qatar Foundation, under the theme 'From Commitments to Change: The Journey Toward Doha.' Al Nuaimi announced that Qatar will host the Fourth Global Disability Summit 2028, affirming that the occasion will further strengthen the momentum gained through cooperation with partners across the region and beyond.

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The signing of the MoU marks a significant step toward strengthening international collaboration to promote disability inclusion and equal opportunity.

It underscores Qatar's growing leadership in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and its dedication to creating inclusive societies.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Kabbara said the partnership embodies a powerful model of international solidarity that will help drive progress for the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities around the world. The official commended the leading role of Qatar in this field, noting that his visits to various institutions dedicated to persons with disabilities revealed advanced practices and innovative approaches that reflect the nation's unwavering commitment to promoting inclusion and meaningful participation.

He emphasised that the country has emerged as a regional and global role model in advancing the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. He said Qatar's national initiatives embody dynamic leadership and a genuine commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are recognised as active partners in the country's development and prosperity, an approach that continues to serve as an inspiring example for many countries and international organisations.

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