Ambassador of Qatar Hosts Panel Discussion and Luncheon at the United Nations to Commemorate WAAD

To commemorate the second annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2, HE Ambassador Al Nasser of Qatar held a panel discussion and luncheon at United Nations (UN) in New York City. Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright were among an elite group of invitees representing 26 different countries. They included ambassadors and representatives from Canada, Afghanistan, Somalia, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Finland, Indonesia, Chile, Oman, Paraguay and Ukraine. The State of Qatar was instrumental in passing the resolution for WAAD in 2007, making autism one of only three medical disorders recognized by the UN.

Ambassador Al Nasser gave brief opening remarks, reiterating his country's commitment to raising autism awareness and emphasizing the important scientific research being done through the partnership between the Shafallah Center in Doha and Autism Speaks. This was further supported by HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani, the General Director of the Department of Public Health in Qatar. The panel discussion was led by Mr. Andrey Pirogov, Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization at the UN. Each of the seven panelists discussed the challenges facing individuals with autism, including the economic implications of the disorder and the need for greater understanding of those with disabilities. Ms. Akiko Ito, Akito Ito, Chief, Secretariat for the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, spoke at length about these challenges.

Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright gave a presentation to the distinguished group, detailing the nearly $11 million of international research being funded by the organization. Wright also urged all UN member states to come together in their support of the Global Autism Public Health Initiative (GAPH). Dr. Hatem Al-Shanti, the director of genetic research at the Shafallah Center, elaborated on the importance of finding a cause of autism through ongoing scientific research.

In closing remarks, HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani said he hoped that the GAPH initiative would encourage more countries in the region to collaborate and share information. Ambassador Al Nasser concluded the event reaffirming Qatar's ongoing commitment to being a leading voice in autism awareness. He noted the incredible strides that have been made since the inaugural WAAD in 2008 and encouraged stronger cooperation among nations in the year ahead.