Zhou Changkui, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), met with Kumar Iyer, the United Kingdom's incoming ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations based in Geneva, in Beijing on May 22. You Liang, vice-chairman of the CDPF Board of Executive Directors, also attended the meeting.
Zhou welcomed Iyer and gave an overview of the CDPF's work and the development of the cause of persons with disabilities in China, particularly organizational structure, legal frameworks, policy planning and service systems. He emphasized that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the cause of persons with disabilities, integrating it into national economic and social development plans. He noted that the enactment of the Law on Building Accessible Environments in 2023 has further improved the legal system for safeguarding the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. Zhou also highlighted recent efforts to foster a more inclusive social environment marked by stronger public awareness, respect, care, and support for people with disabilities.
Zhou noted that cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces offer new opportunities for persons with disabilities to overcome functional barriers. The CDPF is advancing research and application of assistive technologies to ensure persons with disabilities can share the benefits of scientific and technological progress, he added.
The CDPF, he said, is ready to expand practical cooperation with relevant UK institutions in disability affairs and to strengthen communication and exchanges in this field within platforms such as the United Nations, in a joint effort to promote inclusive global development for persons with disabilities.
Iyer commended the notable achievements China has made in advancing disability affairs and expressed his commitment to fostering further exchanges and cooperation between the UK and China in this area.
Officials from the CDPF's Department of Rights Protection, Department of Liaison, and Department of International Liaison also attended the meeting.