Minister of Social Affairs: Integrating Persons with Disabilities is a National Responsibility and Humanitarian Message

Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, affirmed that integrating persons with disabilities into society is a national responsibility and a humanitarian mission, emphasizing that they are key partners in achieving sustainable development and possess the will and capabilities to contribute to building their nations, provided that an enabling environment and equal opportunities are available.

This statement was made during the Arab Open University’s celebration of the anniversary of its founder, the late His Highness Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, held under the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Society.” The event was attended by the university’s director, Dr. Salah Al-Humaidi, along with several public figures, representatives of government entities, civil society organizations, and stakeholders interested in disability issues.

Al-Huwail stated, “The founder of the Arab Open University, Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, believed that the strength of societies is measured by their ability to accommodate, integrate, and value the potential of all their members, particularly persons with disabilities. He emphasized that his vision extended beyond merely providing access to education, encompassing the development of technology and open learning tailored to their needs and enhancing their independence.”

She added that persons with disabilities are not a group awaiting pity or charity, but genuine partners in sustainable development, capable of contributing to the progress of their countries. She noted that providing quality education and an appropriate environment is a fundamental pillar for empowering them and fostering self-reliance.

Al-Huwail clarified that Kuwait, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, places great emphasis on the rights of persons with disabilities, in line with its firmly established humanitarian approach and commitment to promoting social justice and equal opportunities.

She reaffirmed the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to strengthening partnerships among government, non-governmental, and academic institutions, thereby contributing to the integration of persons with disabilities at legislative, employment, and societal levels.

She called on universities to enhance their role in supporting inclusive education, developing academic and training programs, and encouraging scientific research and innovation in assistive technologies, thereby expanding educational and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

For his part, Dr. Salah Al-Humaidi, Director of the Arab Open University in Kuwait, affirmed that the university takes pride in the academic achievements and distinguished participation of its students with disabilities. He noted that some have achieved academic excellence and won awards, while others represented the university at local and international forums, alongside their active involvement in student clubs and associations.

In his speech at the ceremony, Al-Humaidi stated that the university believes education is a right for all, and that the role of educational institutions extends beyond imparting knowledge to building a society that values diversity, removes barriers, and provides equal opportunities for all its members to learn, participate, and achieve.

He added that celebrating the university founder’s day serves as a reminder of his vision to make educational opportunities available to everyone. He pointed out that choosing the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Society” reflects the university’s dedication to enhancing the participation of persons with disabilities in various aspects of life and supporting their capabilities and potential.

He stressed the importance of providing a supportive university environment that enables students to showcase their talents and realize their aspirations, affirming that outstanding role models with disabilities within the university have proven their ability to contribute to its progress and achievements.

Al-Hamadi expressed his appreciation to Dr. Amal Al-Hawila, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Children’s Affairs, for her patronage of the celebration, commending the efforts of the participating entities, personalities, and organizers of the event, and wishing for continued work toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.

For her part, Sheikh Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, known as the “Mother of Persons with Disabilities,” emphasized that the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of the Arab Open University, had been concerned with persons with disabilities from the earliest stages of thinking about establishing the university, not merely after its creation.

Speaking at the Arab Open University’s celebration of its founder’s day, Sheikh Sheikha said she had been a member of the Kuwait Children with Disabilities Association in the Hawalli area when the association received a request from Prince Talal to visit it, prior to his meeting with the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, to discuss the establishment of the Arab Open University in Kuwait.

She added that the association welcomed the late prince and provided him with an overview of its activities and efforts in caring for children with disabilities, noting that his visit reflected his early interest in this group and his commitment to understanding their needs.