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Makassar Gets Ready To Host ASEAN Forum On Persons With Disabilities
Writer :
Rizka Surya
Translator :
Karlina Irsalyana
Makassar, 26 September 2023 - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has announced that the city of Makassar will be the host for the upcoming ASEAN High Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025. Around 200 attendees are anticipated to participate in this forum, including representatives from ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, affiliated entities of ASEAN, organizations Organization of Persons with Disabilities, academics, and think tanks. The international agenda has been set for October 10-12, 2023.
The Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, has emphasized in her statement that the ASEAN High-Level Forum (AHLF) reflects the collective commitment of ASEAN nations to provide unwavering support for individuals with disabilities. "No one left behind," said Minister Risma.
Delegates are scheduled to arrive in Makassar on October 8 and 9, 2023. The main agenda, held on October 10-11, will see delegates tackling four key issues. Moreover, the AHLF 2023 in Makassar is set to conduct a midterm review of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan (AEM) 2025. This review aims to assess the progress made so far in promoting and integrating the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The review will consist of panel discussions focusing on mainstreaming disability perspective and global inclusion agenda in the three ASEAN Pillars (challenges, opportunities, and best practices); partnership for disability inclusion and empowerment and way forward; promoting disability-inclusive development beyond 2025: ASEAN as an epicentrum of growth; and enhancing capacity of people with disabilities in employment and entrepreneurship.
In addition to the primary agenda, participants will have the opportunity to visit MoSA technical unit, the Wirajaya Center. The Wirajaya Center is recognized as a center of excellence in disabilities. “We want to show disability service that we provide and handle,” said Minister.
As host, MoSA makes AHLF an event to promote history and tourist attraction of Makassar and its surroundings. One of those is by choosing Fort Rotterdam, a renowned historical tourism site, as the venue for an exquisite gala dinner. In order to facilitate access for PwDs, MoSA has collaborated with the relevant authorities.
“We are building accessible facilities for PwDs in some places. This is to show that Makassar is civilized society that respect the rights of PwDs,” she explained.
Minister Risma herself took the lead on preparation. In this regard, she has already made two visits to Makassar within a month, demonstrating her utmost dedication to the cause. Her primary focus during these visits has been to ensure the provision of accessible facilities for PwDs.
Meanwhile, the AEM is connected to the ASEAN's collective initiative in establishing an environment that is inclusive of PwDs. The joint commitments are founded upon eight fundamental principles. These pillars encompass respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices,and independence of persons; non-discrimination; full and effective participation and inclusion in society; respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; equality of opportunity; accessibility; equality between men and women; and respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve identities.
The anticipated objective of the meeting is to enhance collaboration within the ASEAN region by establishing effective alliances in the realm of disability-inclusive development.
As mentioned before, the delegates will also have opportunity to attend exihibition. This includes hitech assisted devices and decent accommodation for PwDs. Here, the participants will have information session on the devices and accommodation such as tune map (application for persons with visual dissabilities), Adaptive Walking Stick, Difalink (platform job market for PwDs), and mobile library application.
There are also art festival for PwDs, featuring booths and stands showcasing various content, information, and activities aimed at fostering art, raising awareness, and promoting inclusivity. Exhibitors showcase a wide range of disability entrepreneurship products across various sectors, including arts and crafts, fashion and accessories, food, and more. Equally captivating were the remarkable productions featuring individuals with disabilities.
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