The second expanded meeting for disability cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Arab countries was held. The meeting was organized by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in collaboration with the China Disabled Persons' Federation
8 Global Companies Specializing in Assistive Technology and Artificial Intelligence Participate in the Meeting
On the sidelines of the Global Rehabilitation Conference 2024, currently being held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the second expanded meeting for disability cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Arab countries was held. The meeting was organized by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in collaboration with the China Disabled Persons' Federation as part of the Belt and Road Initiative under the theme "Enhancing Practical Cooperation for Inclusive Development." The aim was to identify common grounds, exchange experiences, and determine ways to promote inclusive development that benefits individuals from various categories of People of Determination fairly.
The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Alya Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, His Excellency Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Yu Ling, Vice President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, and His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. In addition, several ambassadors and high-level representatives from various Arab countries, along with representatives from Arab and international organizations for People of Determination, experts, and scholars in the field of disability, were present.
Participants in the meeting reviewed a series of reports on the development of assistive technology in both the UAE and China, and the exchange of knowledge between the two countries. A representative from Chinese research institutes presented a paper on empowerment technologies that China is leading in development. Discussions were held regarding ways to exchange expertise between China and Arab countries, particularly in providing assistive products services, such as the innovative "Internet Plus" services platform in Beijing.
The meeting also included discussions on several market reports on assistive products, presented by representatives from international organizations, the Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and a report on the market demand for assistive products in the UAE by a representative from the Ministry of Energy and Technology. Additionally, reports on smart assistive technology, hearing aids, and mobility aids were presented by representatives from Chinese companies.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by the People's Republic of China, represents a significant effort to enhance cooperation and connectivity across vast regions. This initiative provides a platform to discuss not only economic development but also the social, cultural, and humanitarian aspects of connection. At the heart of these discussions lies the necessity of including individuals from various categories of People of Determination as active participants and beneficiaries of this progress.
In a press statement, His Excellency noted that the meeting witnessed the participation of eight global companies specializing in assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and conducting specialized research. These companies expressed their interest in entering the regional market and expanding their projects, particularly in light of Abu Dhabi's economic diversity, which strengthens its position as an attractive environment for global companies across various fields.
In his speech during the meeting, His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan praised the spirit of cooperation among participants from different Arab countries and specialized organizations to achieve the desired objectives of the meeting. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gaps between cultures, experiences, and knowledge, stressing that by unifying efforts, it is possible to address the challenges faced by People of Determination in the region, exchange best practices, and find innovative solutions that positively impact lives.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan further explained that dialogue and understanding are key to building a more inclusive world, where barriers can be broken, stereotypes can be challenged, and an environment can be created where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to society. He expressed his hopes that this meeting would serve as an important step towards strengthening cooperation and inclusivity in the field of disability.
His Excellency Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, expressed his happiness in attending the meeting and extended his congratulations to Abu Dhabi and the UAE for hosting the Global Rehabilitation Conference 2024 and organizing the second meeting. He wished all the events great success.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, he stated: "Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that 'People of Determination are equal members of the human family,' and highlighted the importance of giving special attention to them in all aspects of sustainable development. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Chinese-Arab relations, following the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him), to China last May, as well as the visit of Prime Minister Li Qiang to the UAE, which has elevated relations to their best stage yet. We are ready to deepen bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and to implement the shared visions of the leaders of both countries, enhancing collective cooperation to achieve greater well-being for People of Determination."