Zhou Changkui, vice-chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and chairman of its Board of Executive Directors, met with José Maria Viera, executive director of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), in Beijing on Sept 11.
Chang Zheng, a member of the Leading Party Members Group of the CDPF, and Li Qingzhong, a member of the Board of Executive Directors of the CDPF, attended the meeting.
Zhou welcomed Viera and lauded the IDA's crucial role in advancing the development of international disability affairs over the years. He emphasized that the Chinese government, with its people-centered approach, places strong emphasis on supporting the development of the disability affairs.
He pointed out that the development of disability affairs has been integrated into the country's overall national economic and social development plans and seven specialized plans have been formulated and implemented. These initiatives, he said, have promoted the continuous improvement in the legal system for protecting the rights and interests of persons with disabilities.
He further highlighted efforts to strengthen the organizational structure of disability work, enhance the quality and efficiency of public services for persons with disabilities, including rehabilitation, education, employment, and the development of a barrier-free environment, and ensure that people with disabilities benefit from scientific and technological progress. These actions, Zhou added, have significantly improved the well-being of people with disabilities.
Zhou expressed his hope that Viera's visit would serve as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the CDPF and the IDA, in a bid to jointly promote equality and inclusive development for people with disabilities worldwide.
Viera lauded China's exemplary role in safeguarding the rights and interests of persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusive development. He expressed hope that the CDPF would actively share China's experience and play a greater role in the global governance of disability affairs.
Leading officials from the CDPF's Department of International Liaison also attended the meeting.