ISLAMABAD, DEC 05 (DNA) -The Australian High Commission together with Pakistan’s National Forum of Women with Disability and CBM Australia today marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) with a photo exhibition showcasing stories of people with disabilities from Pakistan and other South Asian countries.

Pakistan’s State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb was Chief Guest at the event which brought together donors, development partners and disability organisations.

Representatives of Pakistan’s diverse community of people with disabilities shared their experiences of living with disability, including the challenges they face, and explored new opportunities for encouraging disability-inclusive development.

Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms Margaret Adamson said that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was a day to celebrate the many contributions people with a disability make to communities.

“Celebrating this day challenges myths, builds awareness and pushes for action to improve inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities worldwide.  Australia’s approach to disability inclusive development highlights the importance of respecting the dignity and human rights of people with disabilities and actively involving them across all sectors of our societies,” Ms Adamson said.

Abia Akram, CEO of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities and renowned activist for youth and women with disability, said: “It is important that disabled people’s organizations from the grassroots take a leadership role in discussions and decisions about what should be studied and what information needs to be prioritized.”

The theme for 2016 IDPWD, “achieving 17 goals for the future we want”, draws attention to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how these goals can create more inclusive and equitable communities for people with disabilities.

CBM Australia, a leading organisation working to empower people living with a disability, is assisting the Australian Government to deliver disability inclusive aid programs around the world.=DNA

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