IFAD expert: Disability inclusion key to rural revitalization

The 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics, which concluded on Sunday, has drawn people's attention to the rights of people with disabilities and their development.

Peter Ekblad, program analyst for the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development China Office, has praised China's achievement in lifting all people with disabilities out of poverty. Disability is a major cause of poverty around the world, so all stakeholders should make joint efforts to create opportunities and support mechanisms for persons with disabilities.

IFAD has cooperated with China in poverty alleviation programs, including in improving the development of people with disabilities.

Stressing that real-life know-how is important to solve the problems people with disabilities face, Ekblad highlighted China's experience and his own experience in a cooperative project in a mountain area in Northwest China's Qinghai province.

Ekblad said the project provided training in non-agricultural activities tailored to help persons with disabilities living in rural areas and after-training help with employment and product sales.

Ekblad mentioned that he has seen the project help many people with disabilities make a living and improve their living standards, increasing their confidence and opportunities for their children.