Cairo: Dr. Eman Kareem, the General Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, played a significant role in the conference organized by the American University in Cairo, which took place on December 4 and 5. The event, titled “A Safe and Inclusive Campus in the Arab Region,” was held over two days at the Moataz Al-Alfi Hall on the New Cairo campus.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr. Kareem emphasized that the conference acts as a pivotal platform for experts, educators, students, and decision-makers from the higher education sector across the Arab world. It also involved civil society representatives who gathered to exchange visions, strategies, and practical solutions aimed at enhancing campus safety and inclusivity. She stressed that creating a safe and inclusive campus is essential for fostering a positive educational environment for students and ensuring a respectful and secure workplace for staff.
In her address at the conference, Dr. Kareem underscored the importa
nce of integrating students with disabilities into the educational system. She noted that such integration empowers them in their academic endeavors and contributes to producing a knowledgeable generation that values acceptance of differences and diversity. She mentioned that the council runs various awareness programs targeting faculty members, staff, and students. These programs cover the rights of persons with disabilities as outlined in Law No. (10) of 2018, interaction with persons with disabilities, and the basics of sign language, thereby promoting inclusivity on campus.
Dr. Kareem further elaborated that the conference covered several themes, including understanding campus safety and inclusivity within the Arab context. It also addressed legal considerations, policy frameworks, and implementation strategies related to campus safety, tackled gender-based violence, developed inclusive curricula and educational practices, and focused on mental health and well-being by creating supportive environments. A
dditionally, it supported student-led initiatives aimed at promoting safety and inclusivity.