Amman: Prince Mired bin Ra’ad, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), and Nayef Stetieh, founder of the Business Development Center (BDC), have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bolstering the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. This agreement seeks to expand their involvement in economic activities and entrepreneurship.
According to Jordan News Agency, Prince Mired highlighted the significance of collaborating with private sector institutions and non-profit organizations, which play a crucial role in achieving economic growth. He emphasized the necessity of providing entrepreneurial opportunities and supporting small and medium enterprises to create employment prospects for persons with disabilities, enabling them to contribute actively to economic development.
Prince Mired also pointed out that fostering a culture of inclusion and enhancing accessibility in economic sectors can help dismantle negative stereotypes, particularly within the business community. Such efforts can also improve economic growth indicators and reduce poverty and unemployment rates among persons with disabilities.
Nayef Stetieh, representing the BDC, stated that the agreement aligns with the center’s vision to integrate persons with disabilities into the economic ecosystem. The BDC plans to equip them with essential skills through youth and community empowerment programs. The center aims to incorporate disability rights into its strategies and initiatives, supporting self-employment, small business development, and the creation of inclusive workplaces, in accordance with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision.
The memorandum outlines a joint action plan to include persons with disabilities in the BDC’s development programs, strategies, and policies. It calls for their integration into local economic empowerment initiatives to enhance access to job opportunities and entrepreneurial training.
The agreement also emphasizes the importance of training BDC staff on rights-based approaches and communication methods. It includes the use of tools such as the “Guide of Forty” to promote equal opportunities in the workplace. Additionally, the MoU outlines measures to provide the center with relevant data, success stories, and technical support to increase the accessibility of its digital platforms, training programs, and services for persons with disabilities.