The ASEAN Disability Forum, ADF 2021 reflects the Whole-of-ASEAN efforts towards building an inclusive community where independence as well as full and effective participation of persons with different abilities in all areas of life are realised and sustained. ASEAN has also agreed on the development of an ASEAN Care Economy as another milestone as a move towards the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, equipped with lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the virtual Opening Ceremony of the ADF Conference 2021, yesterday morning, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports emphasised that ASEAN must recognize and heighten the indispensable role of digital technologies towards a robust, integrated, and more inclusive 4th Industry Revolution world. Thus, Yang Berhormat Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, emphasized two points namely to always engage persons with different abilities in crafting and implementing a disability-inclusive pandemic and recovery plan as well as continue to forge partnerships, fully utilise relevant technology; and secondly, it is important to stay united and work together to intensify regional cooperation to support actions at all levels.

Organised by The Brunei Darussalam Council for the Walfare of Persons with Different Abilities with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the ADF 2021 Conference, focuses on three significant points comprising Caring for the people and each other's well-being, Preparing for future opportunities and challenges and prospering together as a unified region. The conference is held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Source: Radio Television Brunei