Kuwait city: The Asian Blind Union (ABU) praised the State of Qatar for its ongoing support of issues concerning people with visual disabilities at both regional and international levels, affirming that this role has had a significant impact in enhancing the Union's programs and sustaining its activities.
According to Qatar News Agency, this was highlighted by the President of the Asian Blind Union, Mansour Al Alanzi, during the activities of the ABU workshops held in Kuwait from 2-6 February. He expressed appreciation for Qatar's generous and continuous support, noting that it has directly enabled the Union to fulfill its regional role, strengthen its programs and activities, and serve the interests of blind persons across Asia.
During the meetings accompanying the workshops, the Asian Blind Union announced the appointment of Chairman of the Board of the Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind, Faisal Al Kooheji, as a member of the Union's Executive Committee for the Middle East region. This appointment reflects regional confidence in Qatar's leading role in supporting and empowering people with visual disabilities.
The appointment comes considering Qatar's pioneering experience and advanced model for enabling people with visual disabilities, and the tangible progress achieved in policies and programs supporting their social and institutional participation.
On the occasion, Faisal Al Kooheji expressed pride in the appointment, emphasizing that trust entails significant responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration at the regional level. He highlighted Qatar's advanced model based on partnership, innovation, and equal opportunity. He expressed his aspiration to actively contribute to the development of Union policies and programs that serve the interests of blind persons in the Middle East and enhance their participation in various fields.
The Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind concluded its participation in the ABU workshops with delegations and representatives from member states, in the framework of promoting regional cooperation and exchanging expertise in supporting and empowering blind persons.
The closing ceremony included an exchange of commemorative shields between the Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind and the ABU organizing committee.
The Center participated in several specialized workshops, including sessions on assistive technology and the role of artificial intelligence in promoting independence, a workshop titled "Empowering Blind Women: Challenges and Aspirations", as well as workshops on entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities, the nutritional pyramid, and AI in facilitating access to health information, and self-marketing. These activities aim to enhance empowerment and the exchange of regional experiences and expertise.