Latest news with #GeneralDebate
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE affirms commitment to empowering special people
The UAE participated in the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from June 10-12, 2025. The UAE delegation was led by Sana Bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family. During the delivery of the UAE's national statement at the General Debate, she affirmed the UAE's commitment to empowering People of Determination, highlighting their unique abilities and their right to equal opportunities to participate in the nation's advancement. She stated, 'In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that people with disabilities, or as we call them 'People of Determination,' are partners in building the nation. They possess abilities worthy of appreciation and deserve equal opportunities for empowerment and participation. Therefore, the UAE has adopted a comprehensive approach to building a society that embraces all its members, founded on the values of tolerance and justice.' The Minister further highlighted the UAE's significant progress in empowering People of Determination through six key pillars of inclusion, namely healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation. She emphasised that these pillars are supported by a robust legislative framework, including Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as well as local strategies such as Abu Dhabi's initiatives for inclusive urban development and Dubai's Disability Strategy. The UAE's statement detailed notable achievements, such as the introduction of inclusive learning environments, inclusive schools, early intervention programmes, and vocational training initiatives. These efforts are complemented by the establishment of over 35 government-run centres and the licensing of more than 46 private centres dedicated to the rehabilitation and training of People of Determination. The statement also emphasised advancements in employment, including the creation of inclusive workplaces in both public and private sectors, and developing infrastructure that is accessible to People of Determination, such as adapted public transportation and facilities. Further, innovative technologies are being integrated to improve service access. Within the healthcare sector, the UAE provides comprehensive services, ranging from treatment and rehabilitation to psychological support, while offering programmes that promote the independence of People of Determination, including life skills training and supported living options. On the international front, she shed light on the UAE's hosting of prominent global events, such as the 2024 International Rehabilitation Conference and the 2019 Special Olympics. Sana Bint Mohammed also highlighted the landmark decision in 2019 to establish the headquarters of the Asian Paralympic Committee in the UAE, underscoring the nation's dedication to regional and international advocacy for People of Determination. The UAE delegation to the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Family, and the Executive Council of Dubai, in addition to the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Asian Paralympic Committee, and Sedra Foundation, in collaboration with the UAE's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. The delegation reflects the UAE's commitment and effective approach to unifying national efforts from government entities, third-sector institutions, and the private sector to provide comprehensive support for People of Determination within a sustainable and integrated framework that promotes shared responsibility. On the sidelines of the conference, the UAE hosted 'The Gathering,' a cultural and diplomatic event aimed at fostering dialogue among all global parties concerned with this vital topic. This event, which brought together a large number of guests, served as a platform for exchanging ideas on the necessary means of support and empowerment for this important segment of society. WAM
Sharjah 24
6 days ago
- Health
- Sharjah 24
UAE drives inclusion of People of Determination at COSP18
Commitment to empowering People of Determination During the UAE's national statement at the General Debate, Minister Sana bint Mohammed Suhail affirmed the UAE's dedication to empowering People of Determination. She highlighted their unique abilities and their right to equal opportunities to contribute to national development. She stated, "In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that people with disabilities, or as we call them 'People of Determination', are partners in building the nation..." Six pillars of inclusion supporting People of Determination The Minister outlined the UAE's progress through six key pillars: healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation. These pillars are underpinned by a strong legislative framework, including Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as well as local initiatives such as Abu Dhabi's inclusive urban development and Dubai's Disability Strategy. Notable achievements in education and rehabilitation The UAE highlighted achievements such as the introduction of inclusive learning environments, early intervention programmes, vocational training, and the establishment of over 35 government-run and more than 46 private centres dedicated to rehabilitation and training. Advancements in employment and accessibility The statement emphasised efforts to create inclusive workplaces in both public and private sectors. Infrastructure improvements have made public transport and facilities more accessible, and innovative technologies are being integrated to enhance service accessibility for People of Determination. Comprehensive healthcare and independence support Within healthcare, the UAE offers a wide range of services from treatment and rehabilitation to psychological support. Programs promoting independence, including life skills training and supported living options, are key components of their approach. International leadership and hosting global events The UAE showcased its role on the global stage by hosting major events like the 2024 International Rehabilitation Conference and the 2019 Special Olympics. The establishment of the Asian Paralympic Committee's headquarters in the UAE in 2019 further emphasises the country's regional and international advocacy efforts. UAE delegation reflects national and multi-sector commitment The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Family, the Executive Council of Dubai, the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Asian Paralympic Committee, and Sedra Foundation, collaborating closely with the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN. Hosting 'The Gathering' – A platform for global dialogue On the sidelines of COSP18, the UAE hosted 'The Gathering,' a cultural and diplomatic event that facilitated dialogue among global stakeholders to exchange ideas on empowering People of Determination. UAE's role as a global leader in inclusion The UAE's participation at COSP18 highlights its leadership in shaping inclusive policies and systems. The diverse delegation exemplified a comprehensive national approach uniting government, third-sector institutions, and the private sector to support People of Determination within an integrated and sustainable framework. Looking ahead: dedicated session on community inclusion The UAE will continue driving progress with its upcoming session titled "Amplifying Our Voices: A Collective Ambition Towards Re-Imagining Community Inclusion for All," focusing on innovative strategies and fostering greater collaboration among global stakeholders.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Labour defends raising c-word column in House
Labour has rejected the idea that it was a poor political judgment to reference a column using the c-word in connection to female ministers overhauling the pay equity scheme in Parliament. The controversial legislation, passed under urgency last week, raises the threshold for proving work has been historically undervalued when making a pay equity claim. The law is retrospective, cancelling 33 current claims affecting 150,000 female workers which would have to be restarted. Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden last week said the changes would save the Crown money. Opponents say it will make it harder for women in female dominated industries to make a claim. Labour's Jan Tinetti asked van Velden a question about the column during Parliament's Question Time yesterday, to which van Velden dropped the c-word in protest over the slur being used. Van Velden has defended the use of the word, blaming Labour for introducing the column in the first place. "I think it's really important that I shone a light on the misogyny that Labour actually did bring into the House. They brought it here, I responded." But Tinetti rejected that, saying there was nothing in the quote she referenced in her question that brought misogyny into the House. "I deliberately went through that to find the quote that would mention the economic backhander." It was pointed out to Tinetti that the column in question used the c-word, "that c-word I would never use," she said. "That doesn't mean to say that people's emotions aren't riled by the fact there's been choices made here with the Budget, and future pay cuts have been made to women. "This has got people very uptight and very angry, and emotions have risen." She rejected the notion Labour had used poor political judgment by referencing the column, and said the party was having a discussion around misogyny, as well as women taking money off other women in "future pay cuts." The coalition has criticised Labour for not calling out the column itself, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis taking aim at party leader Chris Hipkins directly for his past position of believing men should speak out against gendered abuse. Hipkins said newspapers make editorial judgments about what they are and aren't willing to publish, "and that's a question for the editors and the people writing that material". "Given the opportunity to make that exact statement, he did not; instead, he suddenly discovered free speech, and my view is that actually the standard you walk past is the standard you accept," Willis said. NZ First MP Shane Jones said it had been the "most extraordinary day of language in the House" and discussion carried over into General Debate later in the afternoon. Chris Bishop said the c-word had been "thrown around a bit" in the last week. "I want to read out some c-words that I think apply to the Labour opposition: callous, cruel and cowardly." He also said the "double standards" and "misleading statements" put out by the Labour Party over the last week were "cruel". "Because this debate all started because of the actions the government took when it comes to equal pay, and we have heard all sorts of nonsense from the Opposition." Hipkins took aim at Bishop too for "jumping on his high horse" and saying Labour needed to do better. "I can only say I hope he didn't injure himself as he fell off his high horse when it was flying at breakneck speed in the wrong direction. "Because at the same time he was saying we needed to do better, his own party was posting artificial intelligence-generated images of me when he was saying that we needed to 'raise the tone' of the debate."
Sharjah 24
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE Parliamentary Division participates in IPU's Forum
Members of the UAE Parliamentary Division engaged in a discussion on a draft resolution on the agenda of the 150th Assembly entitled'' The role of parliaments in advancing a two-State solution in Palestine'' and a panel discussion on ''Women shaping politics: Global networks''. The General Debate of the 150th Assembly of the IPU will focus on the overall theme Parliamentary action for social development and justice and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanise parliamentary action in this area.
