The State of Qatar has participated in the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held at the United Nations headquarters. The session was convened under the theme, “CRPD at 20 – Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world.”

Qatar’s delegation to the conference’s general debate was led by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Khalifa bin Issa Al Kubaisi. The discussions focused on national efforts and shared experiences aimed at advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion and active participation across all sectors of society.

During his address, Al Kubaisi highlighted Qatar’s early commitment to the convention, noting that the country was among the first to ratify it. He attributed the progress achieved to the strong support of the nation’s leadership and the establishment of a comprehensive framework of legislation and policies designed to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their full integration into society.

He also pointed to Qatar’s upcoming role in hosting the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, in partnership with the International Disability Alliance, describing it as a significant step that reflects the country’s dedication to fostering inclusive communities and strengthening international cooperation.

Al Kubaisi outlined several key developments in recent years, including the launch of the National Strategy 2025–2030 by the Ministry of Social Development and Family. Introduced under the slogan “From Care to Empowerment,” the strategy aims to enhance inclusion and empower persons with disabilities.

He further noted that Law No. 22 of 2025 on Persons with Disabilities represents a major milestone in reinforcing the legal framework for protecting and advancing their rights.

Reflecting on Qatar’s hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development last year, Al Kubaisi said the event provided an opportunity to reinforce global solidarity and intensify efforts to support the rights of persons with disabilities. He added that the Doha Political Declaration emphasized the need to build inclusive societies that ensure equal participation for all.

Al Kubaisi stressed that empowering persons with disabilities is essential to building a more equitable and inclusive future, reaffirming Qatar’s continued commitment to promoting their rights and enabling their meaningful participation in all aspects of life.