Reda Okasha, Assistant Secretary-General for Egyptians Abroad Affairs at the party, said Future Egypt Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Special Needs, corresponding to the third of December of each year, we renew our pledge and commitment towards this authentic segment of the fabric of our society, clarifying that this day is not just a symbolic pause, but rather an explicit and continuous call to action to achieve complete and comprehensive integration, and to ensure equality in rights and opportunities.
Okasha added, in a statement, that we believe that people with special needs are active and productive elements, possessing enormous energies, unique talents, and valuable contributions that society cannot do without, pointing out that the real challenge lies in overcoming the obstacles that stand in their way, and not in their own abilities.
He explained that the commitment towards this group must focus on three main axes, the first of which is providing comprehensive availability and working to make all environments, including buildings, means of transportation, and digital technologies, fully available, to ensure their independence and movement, in addition to enhancing educational and job opportunities and ensuring that they obtain a good and appropriate education, and removing the barriers that prevent them from being integrated into the labor market fairly and efficiently, in addition to changing societal culture, combating stigma and discrimination, and establishing a culture of respect and appreciation that looks at the person from the perspective of his or her abilities. And his capabilities, not from the perspective of his disability.
He pointed out that on this occasion, we renew our call to all governmental and private institutions, civil society and individuals, to work hand in hand to build a comprehensive, just and sustainable society, a society that celebrates diversity and guarantees every individual, whatever their circumstances, the full opportunity to realize themselves and contribute to building their country.
He noted that the inclusion of people with special needs is a development and economic issue par excellence, and not just a humanitarian issue, explaining that we must raise the ceiling of our ambitions and transform awareness into a practical commitment, because the real disability is the disability of thought that does not see human diversity as a source of strength and enrichment, and let us make every day a global day of accessibility, respect, and empowerment.
