In line with the initiative of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, which was embraced by the Arab Summit to establish the Second Arab Decade for Disabled Persons (2023-2032), the General Secretariat's Social Affairs Sector, the Department of Development and Social Policies, and the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, organised an event.
The event, held under the patronage of His Excellency Kais Saied, the President of the Republic of Tunisia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, involved a High-Level Forum on implementing the Second Arab Decade for Disabled Persons and a programme of high-level visits to explore exemplary initiatives within the Republic of Tunisia. The event was held from 1 to 5 October.
Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, noted that the meeting garnered substantial participation from Arab countries, including Social Affairs Ministers, delegation leaders, senior officials, experts, and distinguished international guests, notably the Minister of Persons with Disabilities from Italy. She expressed her gratitude to the Republic of Tunisia for its exceptional organisation and protocols.
During the event, a significant meeting took place with His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Ahmed Al-Hashani. This meeting reaffirmed the support for Tunisian efforts in the context of joint Arab social initiatives, particularly concerning persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups in society. The Arab ministers extended their appreciation to the Prime Minister for his support.
Ambassador Dr. Abu Ghazaleh elaborated on the subsequent activities, which involved a programme of reciprocal visits aimed at examining Tunisia's pioneering initiatives at the ministerial level. These visits allowed for a comprehensive review of the notable projects, activities, and programs implemented by the Tunisian government to support individuals with disabilities, the less fortunate, and other vulnerable segments of society. She highlighted that the programme offers a valuable platform for member states to exchange experiences and collaborate on solutions for shared challenges encountered by both Tunisia and other Arab nations in the realm of social services.
