Berlin: Osama bin Ahmed Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development and Chair of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, participated in the high-level Arab event titled "Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Supporting Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities", held on the sidelines of the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin from April 2 to 3.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the summit was jointly organised by the International Disability Alliance, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Arab event was organised by the Arab League in cooperation with Jordan's Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Arab Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD), the International Disability Alliance, and the Executive Office of the Council of GCC Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs. It follows a resolution adopted at the ministerial meeting chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain last December.
The event concentrated on the significance of creating environments that empower persons with disabilities by providing access to technology and supporting entrepreneurship, which are crucial for enhancing quality of life and fostering economic and social inclusion. The session gathered ministers, senior officials from Arab countries, representatives of regional and international organisations, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and subject-matter experts who shared best practices in assistive technologies, inclusive employment, and innovation.
Minister Al Asfoor remarked that technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship are vital tools in supporting persons with disabilities and integrating them into society. He noted that the event reflects a collective Arab commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through progressive solutions. He praised the organisers and highlighted the unprecedented opportunities offered by technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, to improve daily living and increase autonomy.
He also highlighted Bahrain's proactive role in launching initiatives aimed at promoting independence among persons with disabilities, including the "Independent Living Initiative for People with Disabilities" hosted during the recent Arab Summit. Minister Al Asfoor emphasized that Bahrain continues to leverage technology in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Minister Al Asfoor called for continued cooperation and knowledge exchange at the regional and international levels. He reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment, through its presidency of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, to supporting inclusive policies and initiatives across the Arab world.