International Day of PWDs: Commemorative ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw

A ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was held at the Myanmar International Convention Center II in Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the National Committee for Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister, Vice Senior General Soe Win. In his speech, Vice Senior General Soe Win highlighted that this year's celebration was held under the theme "United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities."

He emphasized the significance of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal Nos. 1, 4, 8, 10, 11, and 17, which are related to persons with disabilities. Myanmar ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in December 2011, enacted the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015, and Bylaws in 2017, and established the National Committee for Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2017.

The Vice Senior General urged all to collaborate in achieving the SDG goals, upholding the principle of "Leaving No One Behind." Union Minister Dr. Soe Win, Vice Chairman (1) of the National Committee, reported on the work undertaken on matters concerning persons with disabilities.

The ceremony also featured a video message from the UN Secretary-General commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. During the event, winners of competitions commemorating the day and individuals who contributed to the well-being of persons with disabilities were awarded honorary prizes.

The School for the Deaf (Mandalay) and the School for the Adult Disabled (Yangon) presented performance programs. The Vice Senior General and party later visited commemorative booths displaying books on persons with disabilities, handicraft items, and commemorative photos.

As a separate program, the Vice Senior General presented a cash award of 1 million kyats to the School for the Deaf (Mandalay), which performed the Ei Naung Dance, and 500,000 kyats to the School for the Adult Disabled (Yangon), which performed the U Shwe Yoe and Daw Moe dance.