Bangladesh calls for stronger global action on autism, inclusion

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring that persons with autism and disabilities are not merely recipients of support, but active participants in education, employment, economic life and society.

She made the remarks at a high-level event titled “Accelerating Global Action on Autism: The Global Autism Advocacy Coalition from Commitment to Implementation,” held at UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on September 25.

Welcoming the initiative, the State Minister highlighted its focus on strengthening national systems, evidence-based solutions, workforce development, innovation, and investment to advance autism inclusion and support.

She stressed that international cooperation should strengthen sustainable national capacity and ensure persons with autism have access to appropriate opportunities, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.

The event was organized by Qatar, Qatar Foundation, WHO, UNICEF, and Autism Speaks, with ministers and high-level representatives from several countries in attendance. -UNB