Cooperation document signed with Ethiopia on the development of service systems for vulnerable groups
A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the development of service systems for socially vulnerable groups has been signed between the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center, operating under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
During the online meeting held for the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Hidayat Abdullayev highlighted the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia and emphasized the importance of extending cooperation to the social sphere.
He noted the significant role of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center in fostering an inclusive society. The Center was inaugurated in October 2021 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and Leyla Aliyeva. Information was provided about the Center’s activities, established at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva. The work carried out to develop the creative potential of persons with disabilities, children deprived of parental care, family members of martyrs, and other vulnerable groups was highlighted.
It was noted that the Center has showcased examples of inclusive creativity at major international events, including COP29, WUF13 hosted by Baku, as well as other prestigious international events held in various countries. The Azerbaijani side expressed its readiness to share the country’s experience in inclusive creativity and development with Ethiopian partners and stated that the newly signed Memorandum represents an important step in this direction.
Director of the Office of the First Lady of Ethiopia, Ms. Menbere Gebreal, expressed satisfaction with the efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and provided information about the Office’s activities concerning vulnerable groups. She emphasized the significance of the meeting for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Following the discussions, Hidayat Abdullayev and Ms. Menbere Gebreal signed the Memorandum of Understanding aimed at establishing a framework for developing cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
The document envisages cooperation in areas such as the development of services to unlock and enhance the creative potential of vulnerable groups, the design and implementation of programs supporting the integration of children requiring special care into mainstream education, the development of training, professional development and educational programs for teachers and specialists working with these groups, and the promotion of legislative initiatives aimed at improving conditions for vulnerable populations.
