USLW attends Rehabilitation International World Congress in UK
The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Stephen Sui, is attending the 23rd Rehabilitation International World Congress in Edinburgh, the United Kingdom, today (October 25, Edinburgh time) to exchange ideas on the theme “Create a more inclusive world” with over 1 000 leading rehabilitation experts and representatives from governments and organisations from over 60 countries.
The World Congress is being held from October 25 to 27. Topics for discussions in the three-day conference are “Employment, Education and Skills”, “Independent Living” and “International Development and Partnerships”. Participants will discuss a wide range of areas, including employment, education and training; independent living and social care; ageing and rehabilitation; culture, leisure, sport, accessibility and inclusion; and disaster management.
In the evening today, Mr Sui will deliver a speech at the World Congress’ VIP Ministerial Reception before the delegates of various countries to give an overview of the initiatives and achievements in building a barrier-free environment and promoting employment of persons with disabilities by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) through cross-sectoral collaboration among the Government, the rehabilitation sector and various sectors in the community. Mr Sui will stress that the HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen international collaboration to promote the well-being of persons with disabilities.
Rehabilitation International is an international non-governmental organisation comprising member organisations in over 100 countries and regions. The primary objectives of Rehabilitation International are to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, to improve their quality of life and to promote collaboration among stakeholders. It also organises forums from time to time, including the quadrennial Rehabilitation International World Congress, to facilitate the exchange of experience and information among stakeholders. The Chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, Ms Zhang Haidi, will assume the office of the President of Rehabilitation International at the World Congress’ closing ceremony.
Over 30 representatives of the Hong Kong rehabilitation sector from the Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities and other non-governmental organisations, as well as two officers from the Social Welfare Department, are also attending the World Congress. Mr Sui will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on October 29 (Saturday).
