(SHI YU / CHINA DAILY)
JAKARTA – Dozens of Asian and Pacific countries agreed on Friday to adopt a six-point Jakarta Declaration to create an inclusive world for people with disabilities at a high-level intergovernmental meeting held in Jakarta on Oct 19-21.
Member states of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) agreed to harmonize national laws, involve the private sector, and increase the participation of persons with disabilities.
"Through the Jakarta Declaration, we are once again affirming our global commitment to a better life for all persons with disabilities," said Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, the host of this meeting, in her closing statement.
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It is time to increase efforts and take affirmative steps in all public areas and build people's awareness about disability, Risma added.
The three-day meeting evaluates the achievements of the Incheon Strategy adopted in 2012 and formulates important agenda to be realized in the next 10 years.
Consisting of 53 countries, the ESCAP is home to more than 700 million people with disabilities who face significant barriers to full and effective participation in society.