Egypt – Jasour – News Desk
Today, the Sixth Arab International Conference for People with Special Needs concluded in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The conference was organized by the International Union of Arab Journalism in partnership with the Arab Center for Advocacy Media and held under the theme “The Role of Media in Empowering People with Special Needs and Sustainable Development for Ensuring Quality of Life.”
Today’s sessions included presentations, notably by Dr. Aaid Al-Sultani from Oman, who spoke on the social lives of people with special needs and the role of civil associations in social protection for them. Dr. Saeed Al-Qahtani also delivered a speech on the impact of media in advocating for people with special needs, followed by remarks from Hanan Al-Jarbi from Libya and Salma Al-Rayel on the success of the Tripoli Center for Special Needs in Libya.
All presentations emphasized the importance of media advocacy, support, and care for people with special needs across all types, as they are essential, active members of our Arab communities. Afterward, an in-depth discussion ensued regarding the presented papers, which resonated with the urgent need to enhance the quality and effectiveness of media advocacy for their issues. This included strategies for conveying their needs and messages to government and official bodies within their countries.
Additionally, during the last day of events, a video was shown in honor of the late Dr. Abdul Basit Azzab, the founding visionary, titled Creative Minds Who Defied Challenges. The conference attendees outlined a set of resolutions and recommendations from the scientific sessions, open forums, and workshops. These were based on the ideas exchanged and insights from the conference’s working papers, which aim to strengthen joint Arab efforts in media advocacy for people with special needs. Key recommendations included:
Calling on institutions and associations concerned with people with special needs to build partnerships with the private sector and international development organizations within their countries.
Urging various media channels, including social media, to play a more impactful role in educating the public on the organized roles and initiatives for people with special needs. This includes involving them in developing educational programs and other related activities.
Enhancing the Role of Media in Purposeful Guidance for the Integration of Individuals with Special Needs into Society: This includes cultural, cognitive, educational, and economic integration.
The Need to Direct Broadcast and Print Media Towards Greater Attention and Awareness of the Challenges and Issues Faced by Individuals with Special Needs.
The Call for the Formation of a Specialized Committee to Review and Approve Works and Documents Addressing Individuals with Special Needs.
The Importance of Involving Individuals with Special Needs as Consultants in Decision-Making Processes Aimed at Enhancing Their Status.
And more positive and active decisions have been applied and even more better developments is awaiting to help and support the progress of managing more supportive ideas and plans for great future facilities for special needs.
