The 3rd Asia-Pacific CBR Congress
The 3rd Asia Pacific CBR Congress
Poverty Reduction through Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
OPENING REMARKS BY Ms Pauline Kleinitz, On behalf of WHO
- YOUR IMPERIAL HIGHNESS PRINCE HITACHI,
- THE HONORABLE VICE MINISTER FOR HEALTH, LABOUR AND WELFARE, MS. KEIKO NAGAOKA,
- CHAIRPERSON OF THE CBR ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR SHIGERU SUMITANI, CHAIR OF ASIA PACIFIC CBR COMMITTEE MS. TULIKA DAS AND, APCD BOARD MEMBER MR. TEJ BUNNAG,
- DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTELMAN
On behalf of World Health Organization, it is my pleasure to be with you and to extend a warm welcome to the 3rd Asia Pacific CBR Congress. CBR really is a key strategy for achieving community based inclusive development, the World Health Organization has recognized this for a long time, and is strongly committed to supporting CBR now and in future
Disability is universal. Everybody is likely to experience disability directly or to have a family member experience disability, particularly when they grow older.
Based on the World Report on Disability, there are more than 1billion people with disability globally, that is 15% of the world’s population, or one in seven people. And, in the years ahead, disability prevalence will rise due to aging populations, increases in chronic health conditions and where conflict, injuries and disasters occur, we will also see disability increase.
The World Health Organization recognizes the importance of the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). And, we recognize and work to achieve development targets, such as the new Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are all about inclusion, they are said to be an ‘inclusive agenda’. Inclusion of people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, is increasingly understood and prioritized in development. We now know that development efforts do not trickle down to benefit all, ‘inclusive development’ doesn’t happen automatically, a proactive, targeted approach must be applied.
So, at this point in time, we have many high level disability goals, targets, and in many countries national policies, action plans and legislation. But these are all high level, what do they mean for someone with a disability living in their home, local community, who visits their local market place, primary school and health centre or place of worship. How do high level aspirations transfer down to improve the lives of people with disabilities?
CBR, that’s how. CBR is about day to day life, it’s makes positive changes in the everyday lives of people with disabilities. In less resourced settings there are few mechanisms to reach people in their home and local community. But CBR does. CBR supports the positive changes in an individual, their family, and in the local community setting and services. This is the power and the importance of CBR.
EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) has evolved for over 30 years. It has changed over time as it adapts to changes in communities, and as we have learnt better ways of working. Today, CBR is being implemented in more than 90 countries in the world and has evolved into an effective and comprehensive multi-sectoral approach. It has developed with a focus on less resourced settings, acknowledging the need for practical, efficient and low cost approaches. CBR Programs remain one of the key mechanisms for changing the lives of people with disabilities.
In many countries NGOs play a significant role in CBR and in delivery of services for persons with disabilities. It is important we acknowledge and appreciate the significant contribution non-government organizations, including Disabled Persons Organizations, make. NGOs must continue to play a major role, but governments in this region must understand that it is ultimately their responsibility to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Increasingly we need governments to be more active in CBR, and what is most desirable is strong collaboration, especially between governments and non-government organizations.
The next three days will serve as an excellent opportunity to learn from each other, to build stronger collaboration and to inform the ongoing development of CBR. We still have a lot to learn. We still need more evidence. Countries are changing and CBR programs must evolve. Sharing what you know, learning from others and having thoughtful provocative discussions about what is working or not, is how we take CBR forward. We want CBR to be a key mechanism for realizing the high level goals set out in international targets as well as national policies. CBR can truly bring about the inclusive development we are all seeking.
Before I finish, I would like to acknowledge the Congress organizing committee. There are many people here who have worked tirelessly for weeks, even months, to make this congress a success and I thank you for your dedication.
Finally, please enjoy this congress, this city and wonderful country, and share and learn with each other, and together, all of us, can build an the inclusive future that benefits all.