New York, June 10 (QNA) - The Qatar Social Work Foundation (QSWF), represented by Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities and Al Noor Center for the Blind, participated in the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The participation, with the delegation headed by Al Noor Center Director Mishal Abdullah Al Nuaimi, reflects the Foundation's efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, support their active inclusion in society, and strengthen Qatar's presence in international forums focused on disability and social empowerment.

As part of the conference, the Foundation, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, organized a side event on redesigning transition pathways for persons with disabilities in the age of artificial intelligence.

The event was held in partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO), Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), and the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities, bringing together experts and representatives of international and regional organizations.

The discussions focused on addressing the gap between educational outcomes and meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

Participants highlighted the need to move beyond traditional models that separate education, training, and employment toward integrated pathways that connect learning, practical experience, and economic participation.

The event also explored how artificial intelligence and smart technologies can support the independence of persons with disabilities by personalizing learning methods, assisting workplace performance, simplifying complex tasks, expanding economic opportunities, and reducing reliance on direct support.

Participants further discussed barriers to the transition from education to employment and ways to transform successful practices into sustainable and scalable national policies.

On the sidelines of the conference, Al Noor Center and Shafallah Center took part in Civil Society Day activities.

Al Noor Center emphasized the importance of building more resilient communities through comprehensive and sustainable support systems that enhance independence and ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.

The center also highlighted the importance of shifting from institutional care models to person-centered community-based approaches that promote dignity, independence, and freedom of choice, while providing integrated support services, including early intervention, rehabilitation, independent living, inclusive education, mental health services, assistive technologies, and social and economic participation opportunities.

Al Noor Center stressed the need for greater investment in accessible and sustainable community services, as well as support for families, caregivers, and professionals through training, capacity building, and adequate resources, while safeguarding the right of persons with disabilities to make decisions regarding their own lives and services under the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us".

The center also showcased its experience in empowerment, rehabilitation, training, and accessibility services, highlighting the impact of these efforts on strengthening independence and community participation.

Meanwhile, Shafallah Center stressed that the challenge today is not simply providing more services, but ensuring they are integrated and coordinated in a way that enables persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in society.

The center emphasized that the success of support systems should be measured not by the number of services delivered, but by their ability to empower persons with disabilities to make their own decisions, develop their skills, and access education, employment, and community participation on an equal basis with others.

The participation reflects the QSWF ongoing efforts and its specialized centers to advance the rights, empowerment, and independence of persons with disabilities.

It also demonstrates Qatar's commitment to contributing to international efforts aimed at building more inclusive and sustainable societies.

The participation further falls within the Foundation's consultative role with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), enhancing its international engagement and supporting the exchange of expertise and best practices related to disability rights and inclusion. (QNA)