Closing ceremony of the “Opportunities for Everyone” project held at the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center
The closing ceremony of the social project “Opportunities for Everyone”, implemented by the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, was held. The project was organized within the framework of the Azerbaijan Urban 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 state and private partner organizations, international organizations, and young persons with disabilities involved in the program attended the event. Participants first viewed an exhibition featuring handicrafts created by the Center’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 the Population Rashad Mustafayev emphasized the particular importance of the “Opportunities for Everyone” project, implemented ahead of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, in promoting equal opportunities for all and creating an accessible urban environment. He noted that one of the key directions of the successful social policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev is strengthening the social protection of persons with disabilities, expanding their opportunities for integration into society, and ensuring an inclusive environment for them.
It was noted that Azerbaijan joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008, while the rights and freedoms envisaged by 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 Center, established on the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, in the development of an inclusive society was highlighted. Information was provided about the activities carried out at the Center and its branches in Ismayilli and the Karabakh “DOST House” to develop the skills of vulnerable groups. It was also noted that social payments for persons with disabilities have significantly increased in recent years, alongside measures related to employment and rehabilitation, while the “Opportunities for Everyone” project has contributed to the development of skills among young persons with disabilities.
Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov spoke about the innovations in the program and agenda of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). He stated that the special sessions and roundtables to be organized by the UN and the Government of Azerbaijan with the participation of high-level officials and urban planning leaders would serve the goal of “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities.” He also noted that the “Opportunities for Everyone” project strengthens the promotion of inclusiveness in urban planning in line with the forum’s priorities.
Anna Soave, Head of Country Office of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, emphasized the importance of the project in terms of building inclusive cities and sustainable communities. She noted that the full participation of 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. The project translates this approach into practice and aligns with the main messages of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Emphasizing that the principle of “Cities for All” is based on access to opportunities, employment, and social participation, Anna Soave thanked the partner institutions for successful cooperation.
Later, UN-Habitat Chief Advisor on Advocacy and Projects Maleyka Taghizadeh and Project Coordinator of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center Tamerlan Turabov delivered a presentation on the project outcomes. It was noted that 25 beneficiaries with disabilities from the Center were involved in the two-month project. Internship opportunities were organized for them at 11 partner institutions. The program contributed to the development of participants’ communication, adaptation, teamwork, and professional behavior skills. As a result of the project, several participants obtained permanent employment opportunities, while new approaches toward building inclusive work environments were promoted within partner institutions.
A video featuring the activities of the program participants during their internships and opinions of partner institution representatives about the project was presented. Project participants Matin Hajiyev and Fatima Muradova shared their impressions of the internship program. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the partner organizations involved in the project. A concert program performed by the Center’s trainers and beneficiaries accompanied by the Inclusive Ensemble of the Center was also presented.
