ABU DHABI, 11th July, 2023 (WAM) — Abu Dhabi will host the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Congress in 2027, taking place for the first time in the MENA region, organised by Zayed Higher Organation for People of Determination (ZHO) in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, ADNEC and UAE Deaf Association.
The event provides a platform for experts, industry leaders and more than 2,000 deaf participants, from 125 countries, to exchange knowledge and discuss efforts to enhance inclusivity in Abu Dhabi and across the world.
This global gathering is an opportunity to review Abu Dhabi’s efforts under the directives of the wise leadership, and present the emirate’s successful experience in supporting and empowering various groups of people of determination, especially the deaf. It will also present a myriad of initiatives and policies that conform to international standards and demonstrate care for People of Determination to be active players in the process of construction and sustainable development. It also highlights efforts to create an appropriate environment that enhances the quality of life for People of Determination and their families and facilitates their integration into society.
H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ZHO, congratulated the UAE leadership on Abu Dhabi’s winning the bid to host the WFD 20th World Congress in 2027 for the first time in MENA.
Sheikh Khalid commended this achievement, which aligns with the wise leadership’s care for Emiratis as a basic pillar of renaissance and progress, including all groups of the Emirati society in general and People of Determination in particular, noting that the great success achieved in organising major international events and activities in the UAE, especially for People of Determination, have had good results that contributed to highlighting the UAE’s capabilities.
Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander in Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, said that Abu Dhabi Police, in cooperation with ZHO and strategic partners, supports Abu Dhabi's hosting of the meetings of the 20th WFD World Congress in 2027.
He noted the important contribution of the congress in the realisation of common visions to integrate People of Determination of the deaf category into societies, and to raise awareness on their rights and capabilities and the importance of their engagement in the societal developmental process.
Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, voiced his great pleasure with the WFD World Congress granting Abu Dhabi the right to host it, welcoming the decision of the 19th Congress, which was recently held in South Korea’s Jeju City.
Al Humaidan emphasised that preparations for the major international event, which is held every four years since 1951, are already under way.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said, “We are looking forward to hosting the WFD World Congress, to add to our successful march of hosting significant international events, through which we have shown high levels of flexibility and efficiency in providing our services at our centres, contributing to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness to turn into a preferred global destination for hosting major events, and confirming its position as the capital of the business tourism industry in the region.”
The meetings are geared towards exchanging best international practices, experiences and knowledge from the participating countries, exchanging views and opinions on rehabilitating the deaf in all areas and providing all necessary care for them, and cultivating relations with national organisations and federations concerned with the deaf from all over the world, as well as strengthening ties and cooperation among the deaf in the continents represented by the participating countries. The meetings also deepen and reinforce the societal role by contributing to supporting this segment, and providing an opportunity for the deaf to take part and express their views through the congress and accompanying programmes.
The congress has a large cultural programme that includes theatrical performances, cinema, exhibitions, arts and visits to the most prominent local landmarks. The WFD seeks to promote the rights of the deaf around the globe, focus on improving the status of national sign languages, provide better education for the deaf, improve access to information and services, as well as improving the human rights of the deaf in developing countries, and encouraging the inception of deaf organisations.