New york: Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa, acting as Chair of the 45th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, met with Italian Minister for People with Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli on Wednesday.
According to Jordan News Agency, this meeting occurred during Bani Mustafa's participation in the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP). The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations at its headquarters in New York.
Bani Mustafa emphasized the strong Jordanian-Italian relations, which are supported by both countries' leadership. She highlighted their shared commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in social and humanitarian sectors. Bani Mustafa called for enhanced cooperation with Italy on disability issues and proposed concluding a memorandum of understanding between the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs and the Italian Ministry of Disability Affairs. This initiative aims to support disability issues and facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices.
She also stressed the importance of supporting the implementation of the commitments outlined in the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion. Bani Mustafa highlighted the need for enhanced partnership and coordination between the Italian Ministry of Disability Affairs and the Arab League in areas of disability, social inclusion, and social protection.
Locally, Bani Mustafa presented Jordan's experience in transitioning from institutional to alternative care for people with disabilities. This model promotes the independence of people with disabilities and their right to live within an inclusive family and community environment. She noted the Ministry of Social Development's efforts to develop social services, protection, and care systems, focusing on expanding alternative housing services for people with disabilities.
Bani Mustafa added that the process includes promoting the transition to inclusive community care, establishing inclusive day centers, developing early intervention services, and strengthening family integration. These efforts contribute to a gradual shift from institutional care to a sustainable community model that fosters independence and inclusion.
She highlighted the importance of benefiting from the two countries' experiences in enhancing and building the capacities of social sector workers, professionalizing social work, developing inclusive community intervention and service models, and designing programs specifically for people with disabilities.
Alessandra Locatelli expressed her interest in exchanging expertise and learning about the best practices in programs and services for people with disabilities. She expressed her aspiration to strengthen cooperation and expand partnerships in the future.