Under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the World Congress on Rehabilitation (WCR) 2024 has announced the keynote speakers for this highly anticipated event. The congress will feature an impressive lineup of over 190 speakers and chairs from around the world, who will convene to share their unique knowledge and address the challenges and barriers faced by people of determination in the workplace.
Keynote speakers will emphasize the crucial role that social security in rehabilitation, the promotion of employment, and access to quality healthcare and technology for people of determination plays to promote inclusion. There will be over 30 sessions held in total over the three-day event, taking the form of 24 parallel sessions, eight plenary sessions, and three masterclasses. These sessions have been informed by the research received ahead of the Congress.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization and the Deputy Vice-President for the MENA Region of Rehabilitation International (RI), will share his expertise at the event, where he will join forces with leading colleagues in the rehabilitation field from around the world.
“The World Congress on Rehabilitation is a unique opportunity to foster innovative approaches and collaborative efforts that will redefine rehabilitation practices globally. Our goal is to create a platform where experts, researchers, and policymakers can share knowledge, inspire change, and advance the field of rehabilitation to improve the lives of individuals worldwide. As the Secretary General of ZHO, I am proud to support this mission and to champion the rights and inclusion of people of determination across the UAE and beyond,” Al Humaidan said.
The Congress will kick-off with an opening ceremony on September 23. His Excellency Dr.Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, will speak during the ceremony.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, who is the Undersecretary of the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi where she oversees the strategy for the development of the Emirate’s healthcare sector, will also take to the stage and address attendees as the keynote speaker.
Over the three days, outstanding figures within their domain, such as Zhang Haidi, President of Rehabilitation International, Mohammed Azman, the President of the ISSA (International Social Security Association), and Annette Tabbara, Director-General Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will speak at the event. In addition, the former Vice-President of Argentina, Her Excellency Gabriela Michetti, will focus on “Developing Public Policies and Institutional Frameworks for the Inclusion, Employment, and Participation of People of Determination”.
Dr. Haifa Al Kaylani, the President and Founder of the Arab International Women’s Forum, is also set to speak to participants, drawing on her expertise as a distinguished figure in her area. By taking part in seminar sessions, these key opinion leaders will share their knowledge and insights with attendees, aiming to address the challenges and barriers that people of determination face in the workplace and promote inclusion.
Other notable speakers include Darryl Barrett, who leads the disability program at the World Health Organization (WHO) and is tasked with developing technical guidance, advocacy, and capacity building on disability inclusion in the health sector among WHO Member States, and partners, will convey their knowledge to attendees through exclusive seminar sessions.
Notably, 30 percent of the speakers and chairs are from the Middle East and 49 of the participants are from the UAE, a pertinent number for an event that is being held in the region for the first time.The event, co-organized by Rehabilitation International (RI Global), the International Social Security Association (ISSA), and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), will take place from 23–25 September 2024.
To view the full list of confirmed speakers and to learn more about the event program, please visit the WCR 24 website or their social media channels.
