KATHMANDU, Dec 6: A three-day Global Disability Inclusion conference, which brings together global experts and representatives from the disabled people's organisations from over 40 countries, started in Kathmandu from Tuesday.
The conference with the slogan "Include Us! Enabling the right to education for girls, boys and youth with disabilities", marks the second Global Disability Inclusion Conference hosted by global child rights humanitarian and development organisation Plan International.
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The aim of the conference is to increase knowledge, understanding and skills on inclusive education in development and humanitarian settings.
Inaugurating the conference, Minister of Education Dhani Ram Paudel welcomed participants and began his speech by referencing the social context in Nepal, which he said is "moving toward an equitable and non-discriminatory society based on the principles of inclusiveness and participation."
During the conference opening ceremony, Sven Coppens, country director of Plan International Nepal said, "Plan International has built up commensurate and recognized expertise to reach out to some of the most marginalized and excluded groups of children in Nepal, including girls and boys living with disabilities." Coppens also added that Plan International is prioritizing inclusive education in Nepal.
The conference will also emphasise the links between inclusive education for children with disabilities, gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals.