The Union of Arab Chambers participated in the high-level regional event held at the United Nations House in Beirut, under the theme “Towards Inclusive Systems for Employment and Entrepreneurship in the Arab Region,” to launch the Arab Charter for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Employment and Entrepreneurship (AIEEC). The event brought together representatives from Arab governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, the private sector, and regional and international institutions concerned with sustainable development and human rights.
This initiative came within the framework of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the principle of “leaving no one behind,” with the aim of promoting the economic and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Arab region and enabling their full participation in the labor market and entrepreneurship.
The event aimed to launch the Arab Charter for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Employment and Entrepreneurship as a regional framework to promote inclusive practices in both the public and private sectors. It also highlighted success stories and innovative initiatives from the Arab region in the fields of inclusive employment and entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, it facilitated the exchange of experiences among governments, institutions, and companies regarding inclusive employment mechanisms and comprehensive policies. It also strengthened cooperation between organizations of persons with disabilities, the private sector, and international organizations to consolidate economic and social inclusion.
The event included an official opening session attended by ESCWA Deputy Executive Secretary Mehrinaz Al Awad, the ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat, and Lebanese Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar, along with representatives of social affairs ministries and several regional organizations.
A high-level session followed, dedicated to discussing challenges and solutions related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment and entrepreneurship, with the participation of experts and representatives from Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Oman. Another session titled “Inclusive Workplaces: Pioneers and Champions” showcased successful experiences from private sector companies such as L’Oréal Lebanon, Ashmoun, and Beesline, in addition to civil society organizations and regional inclusion networks.
The event concluded with an exhibition of Lebanese initiatives supporting the employment of persons with disabilities, featuring institutions active in sustainable development and social entrepreneurship.
The Arab Charter for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities represents a strategic step toward consolidating social justice and enhancing productivity and innovation within both the public and private sectors. The participation of the Union of Arab Chambers in this event marks an essential step to reinforce its role in supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development and affirming its commitment to corporate social responsibility and decent work for all.
This participation also provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with ESCWA and the ILO in the fields of economic empowerment, inclusion policies, and sustainable entrepreneurship, contributing to building an Arab private sector model grounded in the values of justice, equality, and human dignity.
Source (Union of Arab Chambers)
