A meeting was held with members of the Public council under the Ministry at the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population.

Elnara Ansari, Director of the Centre, delivered a presentation on the Centre’s activities and the work carried out to develop the creative potential and promote the social integration of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. She highlighted the achievements in this area and the statistical indicators for the first half of the current year.

It was noted that the Centre, inaugurated on 22 October 2021 in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva, is the first and largest inclusive creativity and development space in the South Caucasus. Established at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity has provided services to 1,031 persons from vulnerable groups over the past period. Currently, 328 beneficiaries receive creative, as well as social, psychological and pedagogical support services at the Centre and its branches.

Elshad Mammadov, Chairperson of the Public council and Professor, emphasised that close dialogue with civil society institutions plays an important role in expanding public participation in the field of social services.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on prospects for cooperation with civil society in the implementation of social projects. The questions raised by members of the council were answered, and their opinions and proposals were heard.

At the end, the guests familiarised themselves with the facilities established at the Centre and the activities of its beneficiaries.