Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, affirmed on Thursday that disability issues receive strategic attention in the policies and programs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at all levels and dimensions.

This came during a speech delivered by Minister Al-Huwailah at a side event titled "Toward the Second World Summit on Social Development: Entrepreneurship and Innovative Financing as Drivers for Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Strengthening Social Development Policies," organized by the Arab League as part of the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations headquarters.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministries of Social and Development Affairs in GCC countries, Al-Huwailah stated that the Gulf’s strategic focus on disability issues stems from the belief that they are "fundamental human rights issues that are beyond dispute and form a cornerstone of social justice and equality, upon which sustainable development efforts for societies are built."

She cited pioneering legislative initiatives launched by the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that enable self-employment for persons with disabilities, supported by legal facilitations and institutional backing.

The Minister added that these initiatives have paved the way for persons with disabilities to work independently as part of a professional empowerment pathway reinforced by national laws that provide incentives, streamline procedures, and offer specialized training and financing programs.

At the local level, Al-Huwailah highlighted that Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs places great emphasis on empowering persons with disabilities in entrepreneurship by building partnerships with civil society and public benefit associations. These efforts have resulted in comprehensive training, rehabilitation, and employment programs.

She further noted that the ministry seeks to enhance these services through innovative financing solutions, such as government funding for small projects, including home-based production initiatives. This helps remove mobility and cost barriers, advancing entrepreneurial empowerment for persons with disabilities.

Minister Al-Huwailah underscored Article 27 of the CRPD, emphasizing the necessity to guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others by providing employment services, vocational guidance, and necessary support to access suitable professional opportunities.

She added that the Convention highlights the importance of promoting entrepreneurship as a vital pathway for empowering persons with disabilities and encouraging their inclusion in the labor market, both in public and private sectors. This opens broader prospects for economic independence and greater opportunities for active participation.

In this regard, she stressed the need to develop innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms that support the training and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, enabling them to enter the labor market as employees or entrepreneurs.

Al-Huwailah pointed out that accessible financing is a key factor in empowering persons with disabilities to establish their own businesses or expand existing ones, contributing to the goals of inclusion, independence, and active societal participation.

The Minister also touched on preparations for the World Summit for Social Development, hosted by Doha, Qatar, in November. She reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to advancing empowerment pathways for persons with disabilities and creating more opportunities, particularly in entrepreneurship.

Al-Huwailah described these international gatherings as "a crucial platform" for sharing successful experiences and inspiring innovative solutions that enhance the participation of persons with disabilities in economic and social development, aligning with the aspirations of the upcoming Doha Summit.

Concluding her speech, the Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs expressed her appreciation to all participants and organizers, expressing hope that the outcomes of this side event would strengthen regional and international cooperation toward achieving comprehensive and sustainable employment for persons with disabilities.