From 9 to 10 November 2024, the EOC participated in the Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Exchange Forum on Synergistic Promotion of Disability Rights and Services at Shenzhen University. The event was co-hosted by China Disability Research Society and Shenzhen University. The EOC was one of the supporting organisers.

In her speech at the forum, EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau said, “This year marks the second time the EOC has participated in the Greater Bay Area Exchange Forum on Synergistic Promotion of Disability Rights and Services. It is encouraging to see personnel from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau gathering again to discuss the development of disability services in the Greater Bay Area. We hope that the EOC and Mainland organisations can implement the directive from Article 27 of the Third Plenary Session’s Resolution, which is to deepen exchanges, strengthen cooperation, and improve the harmonisation of rules and mechanisms.”

The two-day forum included keynote sharing, parallel forums, and visits to Dongguan’s rehabilitation education base and care centre. EOC representatives introduced the procedures for handling disability discrimination complaints and conducting conciliation in keynote speeches, and discussed the EOC’s efforts to promote universal design in a parallel forum.

Separately, the EOC hosted a visit from the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) on 8 November 2024. Mr CHENG Kai, Chairperson of the CDPF, led the delegation to visit the EOC to meet and exchange experience with the EOC Chairperson and the EOC management team. The delegation and the EOC management team held in-depth exchanges on the welfare of persons with disabilities and efforts to promote equal opportunities. Both parties agreed to maintain close ties in the future, and work together to create a more inclusive and friendly social environment for people with disabilities.

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