Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 10
By Sabina Ahmadova - Trend:
ADA University is committed to creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community, the university's rector, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev said Oct. 10.
He made the remarks at a roundtable meeting titled "Baku - without barriers", held by the ADA University and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
"One of our main goals is to constantly monitor both attitudinal and structural barriers to allow students with disabilities full access to our services, programs, and activities so they may take complete advantage of their right to education," Pashayev said.
"We take pride in joining forces with our counterparts within the 'Baku-without barriers' initiative," he added.
The UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Andro Shilakadze said that Azerbaijan was one of the first countries in the region to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability.
He went on to add that the UNICEF is encouraged to see that the work is now starting in Azerbaijan, so that all children can grow up without discrimination, no matter whether they have or don't have disabilities, and can have equal opportunities throughout their lives.
"At the event today we see participants ranging from government to the private sector - represented all major stakeholders - starting the process of moving towards a barrier-free Baku and eventually a barrier-free Azerbaijan," Shilakadze stressed.
"It is not only about people with special needs - a barrier-free Baku will make life better for mothers with strollers, for the elderly, and for workers; and can increase business by making it possible for more people to access stores and services," he said.
Shilakadze added that it will also allow more people to enjoy the beauty of Baku, and make it a more attractive destination for older tourists.
UNICEF's international expert Dr. Colin Higgs, speaking at the event, called on the decision makers "to turn Baku into not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most advanced cities in the world.
At the end of the meeting, its participants signed the Baku Accessibility Declaration.