Welcome Messages

Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

Welcome everyone to the land of Zayed. We are delighted to host in Abu Dhabi the World Congress on Rehabilitation for the first time in the Middle East this year, bearing the slogan ‘Work and Employment.’ This serves as a culmination of the advanced UAE policies and measures aimed at providing a decent life for all segments and categories of society, particularly empowering people of determination, further solidifying the position of the United Arab Emirates and its competency in hosting influential global events and activities.

The organization of this global conference represents a significant step towards enhancing human rights, raising societal awareness about disability, rehabilitation, training, and professional development for people of determination. We take pride in being partners in this pioneering humanitarian project and eagerly look forward to meeting experts and specialists coming from various parts of the world, exchanging knowledge, and sharing experiences with them.

We hope you will enjoy a rich and inspiring experience in the United Arab Emirates in the city of Abu Dhabi, rich in cultural heritage and history, and seize the opportunity to explore the beauty of the city and its magnificent tourist attractions. We also hope you will relish the renowned Emirati hospitality and a warm welcome for everyone.

In conclusion, I would like to express our great happiness in hosting you in the United Arab Emirates and eagerly anticipate welcoming and greeting all of you. Thank you for your attendance, and we wish for a successful conference that achieves its intended goals and produces recommendations that enhance efforts to enable and integrate people of determination into societies and public life.

Zhang Haidi

President of RI

Despite the great progress made in recent years, persons with disabilities are still facing numerous challenges to their full inclusion and participation in the life of their communities. For many of the total 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide, rehabilitation is essential for them to being able to participate in education, labor market and civic life.

World Congress on Rehabilitation provides a platform for sharing, advocating and improving experiences, initiatives, policies and standards that enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

I believe this much-anticipated event will be an embodiment of love calling for people around the world to devote to the undertaking of rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. It will showcase unity and friendship among humanity and brings hope to persons with disabilities and their families in need of rehabilitation, women and children with disabilities in particular.

I appreciate ZHO’s efforts in preparing for the World Congress on Rehabilitation. The world will be impressed by their kind hearts, sincerity and diligence and witness an event that not only underscores the significance of care and support, but also highlights the potential persons with disabilities hold in contributing to the growth of our societies.

I have no doubt that the World Congress on Rehabilitation will be a great success!

Abdullah Al-Humaidan

Secretary General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

With all love and appreciation, I welcome you all on behalf of all the employees at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. It is our honor and pleasure to host you at the World Congress on Rehabilitation, sponsored graciously by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. This significant event is a unique opportunity to shed light on the efforts made in the field of rehabilitating and training people of determination, embodying our commitment to care for them and enable their active participation in the process of sustainable development and construction.

Hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation underscores the position and capabilities of the United Arab Emirates and its possession of significant success factors for various events and occasions, alongside its comprehensive infrastructure and essential pillars, under the wise leadership’s support for developmental processes across various fields.

As strategic partners for this conference, we affirm our ongoing commitment to supporting the efforts of the Rehabilitation International (RI) and all international organizations aiming to serve people of determination in all member states, to advance their rights and global integration. Together, we strive to fulfill the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing their rights, integration, and collectively working to remove obstacles that hinder their full participation in society.

Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation for honoring us with your generous attendance. With my heartfelt wishes to achieve the strategic objectives of the Rehabilitation International (RI) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), I pray to the Almighty for the success and prosperity of your endeavors. I hope your stay with us is both enjoyable and beneficial.

Mohammed Azman

President of ISSA

Welcome to the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024, organized jointly by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Rehabilitation International and the International Social Security Association. Our gratitude goes to the UAE and the Zayed Higher Organization for hosting this major event that will bring together representatives of governments, social security institutions, international organizations and experts to discuss strategies, exchange experiences and share innovative approaches under the general theme of employment of persons with disabilities. A unique networking event, the World Congress will be a milestone in our joint efforts to make the vision of inclusive societies, decent work for all and equal rights a reality. We look forward to seeing you in Abu Dhabi at the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024.