New York – The Omani delegation was led by His Excellency Ambassador Omar bin Saeed Al Kathiri, its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and included representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.

During the conference, Badr bin Farish Al Yahyaei, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, delivered a speech on behalf of the Sultanate. He highlighted the country’s significant efforts and progress in empowering persons with disabilities, in line with the Sultanate’s Basic Law, Oman Vision 2040, and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

His speech underscored a number of recent national initiatives, including the drafting of a new law on the rights of persons with disabilities, which aligns with the principles of the CRPD. He also noted the development of a comprehensive national guide for inclusive urban design and accessible transportation, and the organization of Oman’s first national forum for persons with disabilities in 2023. The outcomes of this forum have since contributed to the creation of a dedicated laboratory to improve services and programmes for persons with disabilities.

Oman’s statement reiterated the importance of raising public awareness around disability rights and called for the active involvement of persons with disabilities in shaping inclusive policies. The Sultanate also stressed the need for unified action among member states to foster accessible and barrier-free environments worldwide.