A three-day International Leadership Conference for Persons with Disabilities concluded here today with participants announcing the ‘Islamabad Commitment’ – the creation of a national mechanism for the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Pakistan. The Convention was ratified by the government of Pakistan earlier this year.
As in previous years, this year too Telenor Pakistan was a major partner for the annual conference and participated with the aim to highlight issues affecting persons with disabilities as part of its Khuddar Pakistan program.
Commenting on the conference outcome, Anjum Rahman, Director Corporate Communications & Responsibility, Telenor Pakistan said:
“The ‘Islamabad Commitment’ is a step towards ensuring that Pakistan’s disabled persons get their due rights. We look forward to working with leaders in the disability movement, local organizations and international agencies on implementation of the recommendations and related projects that can bring about a long-term sustainable difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.”
The conference was organized by Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP), an Islamabad-based self-help NGO, and attended by some 150 representatives from disabled persons organizations, local and international NGOs, corporate sector, government, and the media. A number of partners collaborated with STEP on organizing the conference.
International delegates from South Korea, India, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Japan also attended.
Khuddar Pakistan is Telenor Pakistan’s prime corporate responsibility initiative, aimed at making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities. The company’s goal is to become the most disabled-friendly in Pakistan in terms of employment, service, and community support.
