Global Leaders Stress Care and Support at World Congress 2025

A major discussion at the World Congress 2025, titled “Why is the care agenda important to us?”, brought together experts and leaders from care organisations around the world. The session emphasized the urgent need for governments to provide funding, facilities, and policies to support care work. The Congress, themed “We Are Inclusion”, began on September 15 and will continue until September 17 in Sharjah.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The discussion focused on how investment in care not only improves lives but also strengthens society. One of the key messages shared by the dignitaries was:

"A strong investment in care and support builds resilient societies, enhances human dignity, and strengthens national development outcomes."

Representatives from global organisations shared their experiences, challenges, and suggestions on how care systems can be improved worldwide.

UN Special Rapporteur Stresses Global Attention on Care

Heba Hagrass, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, spoke about how care and support have gained worldwide attention in recent years. She highlighted the importance of recognising unpaid care work, which is often performed by women at home.

She said that governments should create policies to ensure gender equality, human rights, and personalised support services. Hagrass also emphasised the need for technology to improve care access. One of her key points was that children should grow in family environments rather than in institutions. Early intervention and financial support are crucial to make this possible.

"Recognising and supporting unpaid care work helps society grow stronger. Care should be seen as a human right, not just a family responsibility," Hagrass noted.

UAE’s Efforts in Providing Inclusive Care

Dr. Jassem Alhammadi, Secretary General of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work and head of Knowledge Management, highlighted the UAE’s strong focus on developing services for people with disabilities.

He explained that Sharjah has many centres providing care and support. The UAE government ensures that discrimination is fought against and people with disabilities receive proper education. Dr. Alhammadi mentioned that families can also benefit from financial aid, housing if necessary, and daycare facilities for children with disabilities.

"We also provide social, mental, legal, and other essential services. Our focus is to create an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can live and thrive," he said.

He shared that 25 persons with disabilities have been employed at Emirates Post, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to inclusive employment opportunities.

Care Challenges in Latin America

Elena Dal Bo, Director of Association Azul in Argentina, shared insights about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Latin America. According to her, care often has a negative image in her region, and support from the state is very limited.

She stressed that care and support must go together to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Dal Bo suggested that organisations should work with various stakeholders, including women and older persons, to introduce the perspective of social human rights models for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"We must change the way society views care. Networking and collective action are key to improving services and access," she said.

Social Protection and Inclusive Care in Africa

Auberon Jaleel Odoom, National Coordinator of Inclusion Ghana, talked about how social protection is essential for an inclusive care system. In Africa, care and support are gaining recognition as important tools for human dignity and reducing the burden on families, particularly women.

Odoom highlighted mechanisms such as cash transfers, health insurance, social services, and disability grants. These initiatives help families financially and make care less dependent on unpaid labour.

"Without social protection, care remains invisible and burdens fall mainly on women. Governments must support families and communities," he said.

Kenya’s Progress in Inclusive Social Protection

Fatma Wangare from the Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped (KAIH) shared the progress Kenya has made in inclusive care. She described the past situation where children with disabilities were often abandoned in forests or institutions due to the lack of a proper support system.

Wangare highlighted a pilot project launched by the National Council for Disability targeting intellectual disabilities and autism. She explained that these reforms aim to create a social protection system that is inclusive and ensures that children with disabilities grow up in supportive family environments.

"Inclusive care must focus on empowering families and providing services that meet the needs of children with disabilities," Wangare said.

Lebanon: Self-Advocates and Community Inclusion

Fadia Farah, President of the Lebanese Association for Self-Advocacy (LASA), spoke about the growing role of self-advocates in influencing social protection policies in Lebanon. She shared a personal touch by including drawings made by her daughter, who has an intellectual disability, during her presentation.

Farah explained that while Lebanon faces limitations in services for people with disabilities, initiatives by organisations like LASA have led to the increase of inclusive schools to 150 across the country. She emphasised that inclusion starts at home and expands into the community.

"Families are currently the main providers of support. But with awareness and proper policies, communities can also play a strong role in care," she said.

Key Takeaways from the Session

1. Global Recognition of Care: Care work is increasingly being recognised worldwide as essential for human dignity and societal development.

2. State Support is Vital: Governments should provide funds, infrastructure, and social protection programs to support families and caregivers.

3. Inclusion at Every Level: Care should start at home, expand into communities, and include education, employment, and social services.

4. Gender Equality in Care Work: Policies should recognise and support unpaid care work, much of which is performed by women.

5. Networking and Advocacy: Organisations across regions should work together to improve care services and advocate for people with disabilities.

The session highlighted that inclusive care is not just a moral obligation, but a crucial element for building stronger and more resilient societies. Leaders from different regions shared strategies and experiences, underlining that investment in care benefits not only individuals but also communities and national development.

The World Congress 2025 has become a global platform where leaders, experts, and advocates are coming together to emphasise the importance of care and support for people with disabilities. Through discussions, personal experiences, and practical recommendations, the session stressed the importance of early intervention, social protection, and inclusive policies.

It is clear that for societies to grow stronger and fairer, care must be recognised, valued, and supported. The message from Sharjah is that building a world where every person receives proper care and support requires commitment from governments, communities, and individuals alike.

#Best News Network In Dubai #Dubai breaking news today #Dubai latest updates #Top News Channel Dubai #dubai newspaper #dubai news channel #latest news dubai