Cairo: The Cabinet, during its weekly meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, approved the final version of the 2026-2030 national strategy for empowering persons with disabilities, directing all ministries and relevant bodies to proceed with its implementation.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the strategy was prepared through a partnership between the Information and Decision Support Center and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, adopting a broad participatory approach that involved ministries, stakeholders, experts, and persons with disabilities, with the aim of ensuring an integrated and actionable framework.
The strategy is based on pillars reflecting the state's commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full integration into sustainable development, building on national achievements supported by strong political will and notable legislative and institutional progress. It also seeks to enhance institutional coordination to support comprehensive inclusion and socio-economic empowerment, particularly in the most vulnerable areas.
Developed over a full year, the strategy relied on a scientific and inclusive methodology that included 12 expert focus groups, 16 specialized meetings involving more than 200 experts, and field visits across several governorates to engage with over 600 persons with disabilities, in addition to consultations with organizations representing them. It also incorporated a comprehensive review of relevant international conventions and national legislation to ensure alignment with global and domestic frameworks.
Titled 'An Inclusive and Empowering Society,' the strategy comprises seven interconnected pillars aimed at strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing enforcement of rights, and promoting prevention through early detection and integrated healthcare programs. It also focuses on improving accessibility through upgraded infrastructure, public services, and technological solutions to ensure mobility, access to public facilities, and justice.
The strategy further seeks to advance the social and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities by expanding access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and labor market protection, contributing to poverty reduction and economic independence. It also emphasizes strengthening social protection systems and promoting societal awareness to foster inclusion and change perceptions about disability.
Additionally, the strategy outlines key enablers for implementation, including leveraging technological advancements, adopting governance and monitoring frameworks, establishing strategic partnerships at local and international levels, and securing sustainable funding to support programs and initiatives.