The Qatar Chamber has concluded a high-level Arab event focused on empowering people with disabilities through entrepreneurship and innovation. Hosted at its headquarters from November 6-8, the event featured the third session of the “Independent Living Initiative for Persons with Disabilities” and the Arab Exhibition for Productive Families.
The gathering was organized in collaboration with prominent regional bodies, including the Union of Arab Chambers, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs. Key partners also included the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, and the Arab Labor Organization.
Fostering Economic Independence
The initiative aims to create a comprehensive platform that merges social empowerment with practical opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities and productive families across the Arab world.
During the opening, Mr. Mohammed bin Twar Al Kuwari, First Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, emphasized the initiative’s significance. He stated that it “constitutes a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market, and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families and contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their business projects.”
Al Kuwari also reaffirmed the Qatar Chamber’s commitment to enabling productive families, promoting small-scale entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that develop the production capabilities of home-based businesses.
Aligning with National Vision 2030
The event underscores Qatar’s strategic focus on inclusive development. Al Kuwari highlighted that the State of Qatar places great importance on people with disabilities, working to enhance their active participation across all sectors of society.
This commitment is a core component of Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes comprehensive and sustainable human development. He stressed that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of people with disabilities, support their integration into society, and empower them to participate in the nation’s economic development.
Showcasing Regional Talent
A key feature of the three-day event was the Arab Exhibition for Productive Families, which provided a platform for 25 exhibitors from Qatar and several other Arab countries.
Participants and attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased a diverse range of products created by entrepreneurs with disabilities. Items on display included accessories, handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and ceramics, demonstrating the skill and commercial potential within the community. The exhibition served as a vital marketplace for creators to display their products to a wider regional audience.
About The Independent Living Initiative
The Independent Living Initiative for Persons with Disabilities is a collaborative regional program designed to provide a comprehensive platform for social empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It specifically aims to equip people with disabilities and productive families with the tools and opportunities needed to achieve economic independence and active participation in the regional economy.
Source: Al Sharq
