Minister of Social Affairs: Integrating persons with disabilities is a national responsibility and a humanitarian mission
Press coverage 1 newspapers covered this event: Al-Qabas →
Minister of Social Affairs Amthal Al-Huwail emphasized the importance of integrating persons with disabilities as a humanitarian mission during the Arab Open University celebration in Kuwait.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
The Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Cooperatives, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, affirmed on Thursday the importance of integrating persons with disabilities into society, describing it as a national responsibility and a humanitarian mission. She stressed the necessity of strengthening partnerships among government, civil society, and academic institutions to provide a supportive environment that ensures equal opportunities and empowers them to participate actively in all areas of life.
This statement was made in a speech delivered by Al-Huwaili at the celebration of the Founders’ Day of the Arab Open University in Kuwait, held under her patronage and attendance, with the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Society.”
Al-Huwaili said that the choice of this year’s theme recalls the humanitarian philosophy embraced by the late founder of the university, Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who believed that the strength of a society is measured by its ability to accommodate all its members and recognize their potential, with persons with disabilities at the forefront.
She added that “persons with disabilities are not a group awaiting pity or charity, but genuine partners in sustainable development who possess the will and capacity to contribute to the progress of their homelands, provided that an enabling environment and equal opportunities are available.” She emphasized that quality education serves as a fundamental tool for empowering them, enhancing their self-reliance, and preserving their human dignity.
She pointed out that the vision of the late founder was reflected in the support for open education and the utilization of technology tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities, helping to remove barriers and open up educational and participatory horizons. She stressed that nations cannot achieve their desired development with only half of their potential.
Al-Huwaili noted that the State of Kuwait, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God protect and support him), pays great attention to the rights of persons with disabilities, in line with its firmly established humanitarian approach and its commitment to promoting social justice and equal opportunities.
She reaffirmed the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to continuing efforts to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities legislatively, occupationally, and socially, by strengthening partnerships among government, civil society, and academic institutions. She highlighted the important role of universities in supporting inclusive education, developing academic and training programs, and encouraging research and innovation in assistive technologies, thereby expanding their opportunities in education and employment.
