“Baku without barriers” concept in focus
By Nigar Orujova
Initiatives on turning Baku into a truly accessible city for all people was in focus of high ranking government officials, international community and civil society, who have came together at a round table organized by Office of Disability Services at ADA University and UNICEF on October 10.
The round table discussion, also supported by the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Labor and Social Protection of Population and the National Paralympic Committee, comes at a perfect time, with the city preparing to host the First European Games in 2015.
The EuroGames will attract more than 6,000 athletes to compete in 20 sports over the 17 days of competition on June 12-28.
The main outcomes of the round table included initiation of the process of political decision-making in regard to Baku City Accessibility issues, especially in light of the up-coming European Games 2015, and establishment of the Baku City Accessibility Coordination Group.
UNICEF's international expert, Professor Emeritus, Canada, Colin Higgs was the main speaker at the event.
He presented the best international standards and requirements and called on decision makers "to turn Baku into not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most advanced, cities in the world."
The event also became part of the yearlong celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by UNICEF and other partners.
Addressing the event, UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Andro Shilakadze said Azerbaijan was one of the first countries in the region to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, and UNICEF is encouraged to see work now starting in Azerbaijan so that all children can grow up without discrimination, regardless of whether or not they have disabilities, and can have equal opportunities throughout their lives.
"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 noted that it will also allow more people to enjoy the beauty of Baku, and make it a more attractive destination for older tourists.
"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 said.
Rector of ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, in turn, said ADA University is committed to create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community.
"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 an education. Hence, we take pride in joining forces with our counterparts within 'Baku - without barriers' initiative," he said.
The event ended with adoption of the Baku Accessibility Declaration.
ADA University is dedicated to training innovative global leaders and promoting useful collaborative research on diplomacy, public and international affairs, business, humanities and sciences, information technologies, and system engineering.