BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. A socially
significant initiative titled “Opportunities for All” has been
launched at the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center,
which operates under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of
the Population of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
The project is organized by the Center within the framework of
the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign (#AUC2026), an initiative jointly
implemented by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme
(UN-Habitat) and the State Committee for Urban Planning and
Architecture of Azerbaijan ahead of the 13th session of the World
Urban Forum (WUF13).
Representatives of state and private institutions partnering in
the project, international organizations, and persons with
disabilities participating in the program, as well as volunteers
and interns, attended the launch event held at the Center.
Participants first viewed an exhibition featuring handicrafts
created by trainers and beneficiaries and observed the creative
process in the center's training studios.
Deputy Director of the Center, Matanat Mammadova, provided
information on the institution’s areas of activity and the work
being carried out to develop the creative potential of vulnerable
groups engaged in training programs there.
Chief Adviser on Advocacy and Projects at UN-Habitat, Maleyka
Taghizada, noted that the upcoming session of WUF places particular
emphasis on inclusive urban development and accessibility for
everyone as one of the key priorities on the global agenda.
The importance of the “Opportunities for All” project was also
highlighted in terms of enabling persons with disabilities to gain
real experience in corporate work environments, facilitating their
more active integration into the labor market, and promoting
inclusive workplaces.
Participants were also informed about the equal opportunity
conditions and social support mechanisms established at the center,
as well as prospects for expanding cooperation with international
partners in this field.
Starting from March 10, up to 30 beneficiaries aged 15-29 with
disabilities from the center will take part in a three-day
short-term internship program in government institutions,
international organizations, and private companies. The program
will provide young participants with an opportunity to familiarize
themselves with real working environments and demonstrate their
potential.
The closing ceremony of the project is expected to be held
during the Baku Urban Week as part of WUF13.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News
Agency's WhatsApp channel
