A closing ceremony for the “Opportunities for Everyone” social project implemented by the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Centre under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population was held. The project was organised within the framework of the Azerbaijan Urban Development Campaign (#AUC2026), a joint initiative of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), ahead of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

Representatives of public and private institutions partnering in the project, representatives of international organisations and young persons with disabilities involved in the programme attended the event. Participants first viewed an exhibition featuring artworks created by the Centre’s trainers and beneficiaries. The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Rashad Mustafayev highlighted the special importance of the “Opportunities for Everyone” project, implemented ahead of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum to be held in Baku, in promoting equal opportunities for all and creating an accessible urban environment. He stated that one of the key directions of President Ilham Aliyev’s successful social policy is strengthening social protection and integration opportunities for persons with disabilities and ensuring an inclusive environment for them. He also noted that Azerbaijan joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities back in 2008, and that the rights and freedoms envisaged in the Convention were reflected in the Law “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” adopted in 2018.

The important role of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Centre, established on the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, in the development of an inclusive society was emphasised. Information was provided on activities carried out at the Centre and its branches in Ismayilli and the Karabakh “DOST House” aimed at developing the skills of vulnerable groups. Attention was also drawn to the substantial increases in social payments for persons with disabilities in recent years, measures implemented for their employment and rehabilitation, and the contribution of the “Opportunities for Everyone” project to developing the skills of young persons with disabilities.

Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov spoke about innovations in the programme and agenda of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). He stated that special sessions and round tables organised jointly by the UN and the Government of Azerbaijan at the forum, which will bring together high-level government officials and urban development leaders, will serve the goal of “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities.” He also noted that the “Opportunities for Everyone” project strengthens the promotion of inclusivity in urban development in line with the priorities of the forum.

Head of UN-Habitat in Azerbaijan Anna Soave highlighted the significance of the project in the development of inclusive cities and sustainable communities. She noted that the full participation of persons from vulnerable groups in the labour market, decision-making processes and urban life is not only a social issue but also one of the key conditions for sustainable urban development. According to her, the project translates this approach into practice and aligns with the key messages of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

Emphasising that the principle of “Cities for All” is based on access to opportunities, employment and social participation, Anna Soave thanked the partner organisations for their successful cooperation. Afterwards, Chief Adviser on Advocacy and Projects at UN-Habitat Maleyka Taghizada and Project Coordinator at the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Centre Tamerlan Turabov delivered presentations on the project’s outcomes. It was noted that the two-month project involved 25 beneficiaries with disabilities from the Centre. Internships were organised for them in 11 partner organisations. The programme contributed to the development of participants’ communication, adaptation, teamwork and professional behaviour skills. As a result of the project, several participants gained permanent employment opportunities, while new approaches to creating inclusive work environments were promoted within partner institutions.

A video presentation reflecting the participants’ activities during the internship period and the views of representatives of partner organisations on the project was screened. Project participants Matin Hajiyev and Fatima Muradova shared their impressions of the internship programme. Certificates of appreciation were presented to partner organisations participating in the project. A concert programme performed by the Centre’s trainers and beneficiaries accompanied by the Inclusive Ensemble of the Centre was also presented.