New York / 16 June 2016/ Qatar has worked and still works to integrate the issues and needs of the people with disabilities into all state policies and programs and constantly works to follow up on their implementation so as to ensure its commitments to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are carried out.

HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, made the remark as she addressed the ninth session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities, which took place in New York from June 14 to 16.

 She stressed that working to achieve the sustainable development goals of 2030 will not lead to the desired outcome unless the issues of the people with disabilities are effectively integrated in all the goals and programs.

Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said Qatar was one of the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008 and has since taken giant leaps towards achieving and consolidating the principles and basics of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which includes the achievement of equality and justice for all segments and sectors of the society, including people with disabilities. She added that this is reflected by the presence of 34 entities in Qatar that provide specialized services for people with disabilities.

HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said Qatar pays special attention to education whether at the national or international levels thanks to its significant role in bringing positive change to the lives of people in general and people with disabilities in particular. She noted that the country participated in in several international initiatives that aim to improve education's policies, program and services, particularly those that involve people with disabilities.

In reflection of Qatar's contributions to the education sector on the international front, she added, comes the nomination of HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, advisor at the Emiri Diwan, for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) director general position as an opportunity to interpret the distinguished contributions of Qatar in the field of education on a larger global scale.

The diplomat said Qatar believes in the importance of investing information technology and communication in unlocking the potential of people with disabilities and helping them to achieve independence and self-reliance.

Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said the civil society in Qatar has an effective role in providing the different services for people with disabilities, noting that Shafallah Center and the Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs offer comprehensive care as well as educational, health and rehabilitation services for people with special needs and their family members.

The Qatari diplomat concluded her address by stressing that Qatar is keen on implementing its commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adding that the country spares no effort to protect, empower and integrate people with disabilities into the Qatari society.