On 19 November 2021, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Natalia Gherman took part in the International Web Forum "Ensuring Inclusion for Children with Disabilities" dedicated to World Children's Day and the 75th anniversary of UNICEF.

The event was organized by the International Public Foundation "Zamin" and the UNICEF office in Uzbekistan.

The event addressed the development of an inclusive environment, protection and provision of the rights of persons with disabilities on global and regional levels.

Addressing the forum participants, Special Representative Natalia Gherman highlighted the experience of the United Nations in assisting the Member States to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She also drew attention to implementing the Organization's Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, initiated in 2019 by UN Secretary-General. In addition, the forum participants were informed about the experience of the UNRCCA work with the Central Asian youth through its own innovative Preventive Diplomacy Academy project. SRSG Natalia Gherman noted the importance of a training seminar recently held by the Regional Centre at which the young people from Central Asia discussed the UN Strategy for the Involvement of People with Disabilities. "I am deeply convinced that this kind of dialogue with the younger generation is a long-term investment in a culture of peace and trust in the region and an integral part of preventive diplomacy", mentioned SRSG Natalia Gherman.

The web forum was attended by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the International Public Foundation "Zamin" Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, representatives of UNICEF, ILO and other international experts.

Participants highlighted the importance of reducing stigma and discrimination and creating conditions for inclusion and gender equality of people with disabilities.

The forum participants adopted a final document containing recommendations and comments of international experts.