Egypt will launch a comprehensive national strategy for the period 2026-2030 aimed at the full integration and empowerment of 11m people with disabilities, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) announced on Monday. The strategy, prepared by the NCPD in collaboration with the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC), follows a year of consultations with government ministries, institutions, and representatives of the disabled community. The final discussions concluded on Monday, reaching a consensus on the proposals and pillars designed to achieve justice and equality for more than 11m Egyptian citizens with disabilities. Dr Eman Karim, general supervisor of the NCPD, stated that the strategy's primary objective is to create an inclusive society that guarantees equal opportunities and full empowerment. She added that the plan focuses on implementing integrated national policies that align with the Egyptian constitution and international standards, enhancing the quality of services and developing legislation to ensure social justice and sustainable development. "This national strategy reflects the political leadership's commitment to including all citizens in the 'New Republic' and empowering people with disabilities across all fields," Karim said. She noted that the preparation involved active participation from civil society, international experts, the private sector, and disability organisations. Dr Osama el-Gohary, assistant to the prime minister and head of the IDSC, said the strategy is designed to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Egypt Vision 2030, and Law No. 10 of 2018 regarding the rights of persons with disabilities. He added that the technical support provided by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) would be presented to the prime minister, noting that the plan's success depends on effective partnership and coordination. Dr Alaa Sebei, regional advisor for disability affairs at ESCWA, praised the participatory approach used by the Egyptian government. He highlighted that the strategy represents a clear political commitment to disability rights, noting that ESCWA conducted a technical review to ensure the scope addresses the tangible needs of the community. Sebei added that field visits to various provinces provided clear evidence of the state's resolve to achieve integration. Dr Heba Abdel Monem, head of the central administration for monitoring and evaluating national strategies at the IDSC, noted that the current meetings are the largest of their kind ahead of the official launch. She explained that the strategy was formed under Prime Minister Decree No. 4265 of 2024 and is based on a "prevention for a better life" mechanism, supported by extensive field visits to analyse the current situation and listen directly to the needs of persons with disabilities.
