Doha: Zayed Authority for People of Determination (ZAPoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) on the sidelines of the UAE’s participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, held under the auspices of the United Nations in Doha.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Director General of ZAPoD, and Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance, in the presence of international organization representatives and global experts attending the summit.
The agreement reflects ZAPoD’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading international organizations in the field of disability rights. It aims to boost cooperation in training, research, knowledge sharing, and the development of joint global initiatives that advance the empowerment of People of Determination.
.@zhoCare has signed an agreement with @IDA_CRPD_Forum to advance knowledge exchange, share expertise, and align global initiatives to empower People of Determination, reinforcing social inclusion and reaffirming Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for disability rights and empowerment. pic.twitter.com/CU7ZcGYUOS
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 11, 2025
Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to support the Global Disability Summit 2028 by providing advisory and technical expertise and exploring the possibility of hosting the Global Disability Summit 2031 in Abu Dhabi. The partnership also includes the organization of workshops, training programs, and joint initiatives to promote knowledge exchange and social innovation in support of disability inclusion.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan emphasized that the agreement represents a milestone in ZAPoD’s and the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote social justice and global inclusion. Al Humaidan remarked that, “At the Zayed Authority, we believe that inclusivity is not merely a slogan; it is a national and humanitarian commitment translated into actionable policies that create tangible impact in people’s lives.”
Al Humaidan added that, “Through this strategic partnership, we aim to unify international efforts to support policies and practices that ensure rights and expand opportunities for social participation for People of Determination, in alignment with the authority’s 2026 Strategy focused on empowerment, sustainability, innovation, and community inclusion.”
Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance, praised the UAE’s pioneering role in promoting inclusion and empowerment, stating that, “The UAE’s experience in integrating and empowering persons with disabilities has become an international model to emulate. We are pleased to establish, through this MoU, a strong partnership with the Zayed Authority for People of Determination that will contribute to developing global initiatives and uniting efforts toward more just and inclusive societies.”
As part of the agreement, ZAPoD and IDA will work together to organize side events during major international conferences, participate in specialized United Nations committees, and develop reports and proposals for joint research and training programs based on global best practices.
This collaboration underscores ZAPoD’s commitment to reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in international cooperation, establishing Abu Dhabi as a global hub for positive impact in the field of disability rights, and advancing the nation’s vision of placing people at the center of sustainable development.
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