Zhang Haidi attends RI Executive Committee meeting online

Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International (RI), presided over its Executive Committee (EC) meeting, which was held online on Aug 31.

Zhang, also chairperson of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), updated committee members on China’s latest progress in disability affairs, including the country's successful holding of the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games and the construction of the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. China has held constructive dialogues with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on its fulfillment of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, fully demonstrating the country's achievements in disability affairs in areas including rehabilitation, education, employment, culture and sports, and international exchanges. The rescuing rehabilitation system for disabled children in particular has offered better opportunities for them to be better integrated into society, she said.

Zhang urged efforts to better use the Global Disability Development Fund and the African Fund, strengthen cooperation with UN and other professional agencies, support disability institutions, such as the Alpha Special School for the Deaf in Ethiopia, and take concrete measures to benefit more persons with disabilities. This year marks the 100th anniversary of RI. Zhang reiterated the need to well prepare for RI's centennial celebrations, award those who have made outstanding contributions in disability affairs, promote more welfare for disabled people in the future, and make more contributions to international disability affairs.

EC members from Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa attended the meeting online and applauded the CDPF's achievements in disability undertakings, as well as the innovative and practical approach of RI's work.