SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), the World Congress on Rehabilitation (WCR) 2024 will be held for the first time in the Middle East from September 23-25, 2024 at ADNEC Centre - Abu Dhabi.
This year, the congress coincides with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of ZHO, which was one of the humanitarian and social initiatives of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The event is taking place under the theme "Work and Employment" and is being held in partnership with RI Global and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at the Department of Culture and Tourism, and ADNEC Centre - Abu Dhabi.
The announcement was made during a media briefing organised by the ZHO in the presence of Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the ZHO and Deputy Vice President of the Rehabilitation International (RI Global) in the Middle East and North Africa region; Abdullah Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Zayed Higher Organization; Mubarak Hamad Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Office in the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; and Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer of the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, part of ADNEC Group from ADNEC Centre - Abu Dhabi.
WCR, with the participation of experts in the rehabilitation and healthcare sector, aims to tackle the barriers faced by people of determination in the job market and raise awareness of career opportunities available to them.
Over 190 speakers from around the world, including 30 from the UAE, will present 70 scientific studies during 30 sessions.
The event is expected to draw more than 500 attendees from over 70 countries, offering a platform to share knowledge, exchange best practices, as well as foster global networks for rehabilitation efforts.
Al Humaidan emphasised the Foundation's commitment to ensuring the success of this edition and meeting all its goals. This commitment underscores Abu Dhabi's status as a regional centre for empowering and integrating people of determination, while also boosting its esteemed reputation as a premier global destination for significant events like international meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
Al Humaidan highlighted that the congress serves as a global forum for leading international officials, experts, and researchers in rehabilitating people of determination. It offers a unique chance to discuss the needs and challenges of this group, share knowledge, present effective experiences, and explore the latest opportunities in advanced technology and AI for rehabilitation. This enriches participants' experiences and enhances care services for people of determination.
Al Humaidan stated: "Since its inception, the UAE has dedicated significant attention and care to people of determination, placing them as a top priority. Our nation remains a country committed to relentless efforts both nationally and internationally to empower people of determination and enhance their lives, through substantial and ongoing investment in their rehabilitation to become active contributors to prosperity and sustainable development. The UAE ensures they have all the necessary elements for a dignified and comfortable life, fostering their participation in various life domains, including leadership roles, decision-making, future planning, skill acquisition across multiple fields, whilst utilising appropriate technological resources."
He expressed his gratitude to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, represented by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, for their support and outstanding efforts in collaboration with the organization to ensure the successful hosting of the Global Rehabilitation Conference. He also praised the bureau's role in enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global hub for hosting international conferences and exhibitions.
A Leading Destination for Global Events
Al Qubaisi stated: "Hosting this prestigious event for the first time in the Middle East, specifically at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the largest event venue in the region, is not only an achievement we are proud of at ADNEC Group, but also an important step in enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for global events."
He explained that ADNEC Group continuously works to support this pivotal role by providing world-class infrastructure, boasting international expertise and integrated solutions that make Abu Dhabi the first choice for international organisers across various sectors.
He added: "At ADNEC Group, we are committed to providing everything necessary to ensure the success of this conference, establishing it as a leading platform that contributes to the development of this vital sector. ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi features advanced infrastructure that meets the highest global standards, with flexible facilities capable of accommodating major events of all kinds. Furthermore, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi is not just a venue, but a true partner for organisers, offering full support through highly qualified teams."
Speaking to Aletihad, Al Kamali, highlighted the strategic importance of the congress and expressed gratitude to the event's partners.
"We will concentrate on two main areas: work and employment, and sharing global experiences in employing people of determination. With 13 different groups of people of determination, we aim to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to support those whose needs are currently unmet," Al Kamali said.
The World Congress on Rehabilitation, held every four years, will continue the UAE's tradition of hosting global events that promote empowerment and inclusion. Following the success of the Special Olympics UAE in 2019, this congress will further enhance Abu Dhabi's legacy as a bridge between East and West, bringing together global expertise to advance the rights and opportunities of people of determination, Al Kamali added.
The congress will offer a diverse range of sessions as the ZHO received over 170 scientific research and working papers from experts, specialists, and international institutions in 58 countries.
The congress’ opening ceremony will feature keynote addresses by Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. Following these speeches, the first day's activities will include a plenary session titled "Empowering Diversity: Inclusion, Employment, and Participation of People of Determination", chaired by Al Humaidan, and Christoph Gutenbrunner.
Additionally, Gabriela Michetti, former Vice President of Argentina, will facilitate a discussion on "Developing Public Policies and Institutional Frameworks for the Inclusion, Employment, and Participation of People of Determination".
Dr. Haifa Al- Kaylani, founder and president of the Arab International Women's Forum, will present on "Advancing Economic Empowerment for Women of Determination."
The first day also includes a discussion session titled " Global Perspectives On Disability And Inclusion: WHO Rehabilitation Resolution, ILO Labor Strategy And UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030", chaired by Abdullah Al Kamali and Michael Fox, where Daryl Barrett from the WHO will highlight the "WHO Rehabilitation Resolution", whilst Natalia Amelina will share her insights on the topic of "Advanced Technologies to Support People of Determination".
On the second day, activities will feature a plenary session titled "The Key Role of Social Security in Rehabilitation", led by Mohamed Azman, with panellists from Zambia, Canada, Malaysia, and Senegal.
Additional sessions will cover work and employment in rehabilitation, the impact of AI and technology on inclusive empowerment, community rehabilitation, and the role of social security institutions, plus a special training session on psychomotor treatment.
The third day will begin with a plenary session titled "Fostering Inclusive Future: An Integrated Universal Approach to Education and Vocational Training – How to Facilitate Inclusion in the Labor Market".
This session, chaired by Gregor Kemper and featuring speakers Jürgen Dussel and Dr. Uma Tuli, aims to deepen attendees' understanding on the event's bustling final day.
The afternoon sessions will explore subjects such as global disability and rehabilitation, recent data on employment, and the UAE's initiatives for inclusive employment.
The congress will conclude with a session focused on public safety and people of determination, with presentations by Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim and Eitan Charnoff.