WUF13 features international training on “Inclusive Cities and Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities”
Baku, May 19, AZERTAC
On May 19, an international training session on “Inclusive Cities and Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities” was held as part of the WUF13.
Organized by the Public Association “Independent Living Center for Persons with Disabilities” the training was developed in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The event aimed to highlight the importance of inclusive cities that support independent living for persons with disabilities at both policy and practical levels. Participants discussed the impact of urban planning, social policy, and public services on daily life.
It was emphasized that inclusive cities go beyond physical accessibility and also require integrated services, psychosocial support, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
The training had three main components.
At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Sabina Aliyeva, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan; Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations of Azerbaijan; Parvana Valiyeva, member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Health and Board Member of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum; Asya Abdel Yaghi, Chairwoman of the Disability Committee of the Senate of Jordan and president of “I am Human”; Elnara Ansari, Director of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center; and El Hadji Malick Sylla, Associate Research Scientist African Population and Health Research Center.
Speaking at the panel session, Yemeni representative Aziz Saeed hailed the importance of such events held within the WUF13. He emphasized that Yemen is conducting joint exercises to maintain peace and stability and is trying to achieve results on issues of global importance.
In his remarks, Aydin Khalilov, Chair of the “Independent Living Center for Persons with Disabilities,” stressed that a person may be physically present in an institution but still excluded from decisions affecting their own life. He emphasized that independent living means the right to choose one’s support, services, and lifestyle, not living without assistance.
The training concluded that the initiative will significantly strengthen international cooperation and institutional dialogue in Azerbaijan on inclusive urban development, independent living, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
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