By Wang Yanfang
Intro: The China Disabled Persons’ Federation recently organized an event in Beijing for people with disabilities to share their stories of poverty reduction with representatives from various countries and international organizations.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the United Nations, the China Disabled Persons’ Federation organized an event in Beijing on Sept. 29 for people with disabilities to share their stories of poverty reduction.
Six physically-challenged pioneers of poverty reduction from China’s Hunan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Tibet, Xinjiang and Qinghai, shared their experiences of escaping poverty and helping other people like them also do so. Many attendees were moved by their touching stories and inspired by their passion and strong will. The speakers not only realized their own value and dreams, but also helped more people with disabilities work up the courage and deal with their challenges.
Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International (RI) and chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), delivered a key speech at the meeting.
Zhang called for the international community to pay more attention to alleviating poverty for people with disabilities, study and implement sustainable supporting measures of targeted poverty reduction and eradication, utilize technological innovations such as artificial intelligence to help them live more stable lives free from poverty, strengthen exchanges in the field, and promote construction of a cooperation platform for people with disabilities around the world. She explained that their aim was to better implement the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, realizing their equal and inclusive development.
Armida Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, addressed the attendees via video link, praising the event for coming at a very timely juncture.
She added that the notable achievements made by China in poverty alleviation for people with disabilities are valuable assets to the Asia Pacific region.
China has successfully lifted more than 7 million people with disabilities out of poverty. In addition, living allowances now cover over 24 million people with disabilities and nursing subsidies are available for people who are severely disabled.
Over 100 representatives from various countries and international organizations attended the event, including those from embassies in China, U.N. agencies in China, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the All-China Women’s Federation.
