Indonesia: Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, His Excellency Em Chan Makara, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to empower persons with disabilities across the ASEAN region and ensure their welfare is prioritized. He made this statement as the representative of H.E. Chea Somethy, the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, during the ASEAN High-Level Forum on “Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025.” The event was held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Makassar, Indonesia.
In his address, H.E Em Chan Makara highlighted the collaborative work within ASEAN over the past three years, particularly in the context of addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the significance of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), which is dedicated to advancing the digital sector’s development within ASEAN, improving the business and investment, and facilitating trade. All of these efforts are geared toward enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Secretary of State Em Chan Makara called upon the ASEAN Minister of Social Affairs to maintain commitment to the principles of the multilateral communication system and promote liberalization to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of fostering an open, transparent, and inclusive environment in the ASEAN region while upholding the values of “Centrality” and “ASEAN unity” in efforts related to disability-focused global and regional relations.
Additionally, the Secretary of State urged the ASEAN Minister of Social Affairs to further enhance existing relations and economic partnerships, ensuring they remain modern, efficient, and highly responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
During his address, H.E Em Chan Makara also highlighted some of Cambodia’s notable successes in the field of disability, including initiatives such as the provision of TV sign language interpreters, the development of comprehensive study materials tailored for individuals with disabilities, and the implementation of a recruitment quota system to promote inclusivity in workplaces.
Furthermore, he celebrated Cambodia’s role as the host of the ASEAN Para Games, a significant historical achievement in Cambodia’s history, and the successful organization of the 5th ASIA-PACIFIC CONGRESS on “Community-Based Inclusive Development” (CBID5).
Concluding his statement, H.E Em Chan Makara emphasized the need for enhanced coordination, policy formulation, and initiatives to ensure a robust recovery for persons with disabilities in the ASEAN region. He stressed the importance of aligning regional efforts with global initiatives to achieve consistency and unity in addressing disability-related challenges.
