Rehabilitation International (RI) held a virtual meeting for the Executive Committee of RI and the Governing Assembly of RI members Nov. 12 and 13.
Zhang Haidi, chairperson of RI, presided over the events.
The meetings were an opportunity for committee members to discuss the organization’s finances, funds, centenary anniversary celebration and collaborative projects.
Likewise, the Governing Assembly of RI members passed the organization’s financial audit report, membership application, work plan for 2022 and budget.
During her speech, Zhang said that with the support and participation of all members of the RI Executive Committee and RI members, it has made positive progress in its work.
RI has collaborated on multiple projects with various United Nations agencies, including the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organization, Zhang said.
The group has also issued proposals on fostering more inclusive spaces for women with disabilities alongside the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the ESCAP, which was submitted to the UN secretary-general, Zhang said.
RI established and presented the RI Award for Outstanding Achievements, and proactively appealed to the international community to protect the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities, as the community fights against the COVID-19 pandemic. These endeavors have significantly enhanced RI’s global influence, Zhang noted.
RI has funded a number of its members’ projects related to people’s wellbeing in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. Additionally, RI used its website to outline its experience with the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has provided essential medical supplies to its members in hard-hit regions, as well as resources for children with disabilities. These activities have strengthened the organization’s vitality and cohesion, said Zhang.
Notably, RI successfully held its 24th World Congress via video links.
Zhang pointed out that next year marks the centenary anniversary of the organization, and that RI should prepare for the celebration, and continue to present the RI Award for Outstanding Achievements.
She stressed that RI needs to optimize its organizational structure, secure additional funding, create more branded campaigns and promote the sustainable development of its cause.
