The executive committee of Rehabilitation International Fall 2019 meets in Moscow from Oct 31 to Nov 2. [photo/cdpf.org.cn]
Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and president of Rehabilitation International (RI), presided over the RI executive committee meeting Fall 2019 and the RI representative conference in Moscow, capital of Russia from Oct 31 to Nov 2.
The RI executive committee listened to the work reports presented by heads and secretaries-general of its regional branches and sub-committees, held discussions on the internal reform measures for 2020, and deliberated on proposals to redesign its official website and reform distribution of its membership fees.
Participants agreed that the RI has maintained a down-to-earth and innovative spirit in the fulfillment of its responsibilities and taken concrete measures to expand its international cooperation as well as exchanges over the past few years.
During the conventions, Zhang held separate talks on the affairs of people with disabilities with the President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, and the President of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad Bande.
The RI Award Committee presented the 2019 RI Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Innovation, Rehabilitation and Humanitarianism to María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society and the Alpha Special School for the Deaf in Ethiopia respectively in a drive to further enhance its international influence, draw the attention of more people to the affairs of people with disabilities, and promote the inclusive development of disabled persons around the world.
The RI representative conference enacted an audit on the operation of its work in 2019, introduced to attendees how candidates for the RI Award for Outstanding Achievements are selected and awarded, briefed them on the preparations for the 24th Rehabilitation World Congress 2020, to be held in Aarhus of Denmark, and for the celebrations of its centenary in 2022, and specified its major work as well as tasks in future.
On the sidelines of the events, Zhang signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian National Paralympic Committee on behalf of China's National Paralympic Committee to deepen bilateral cooperation on the development of sports affairs for people with disabilities.
Zhang also met with Zhang Hanhui, Chinese ambassador to Russia, and exchanged views on the further promotion of cooperation and communications between China and Russia on the affairs of people with disabilities.
The WHO and the RI jointly released the World Report on Hearing at the event.