COP30 Accommodation Services Now Available

DISABILITY AND INCLUSION

Travel for us is not just about getting to places, it's also about enabling inclusive travel for our guests and the accessibility needs they might have. - William F, 22.04.2023, (Founder of W&A)

Here is a testimonial from Mr. Soovan Sharma sharing their experience in regards to our consular services during COP28:

Advocate for Accessibility Mr. Soovan Sharma Dookhoo Shares Insights from COP28 Dubai 2023 (24.05.2024)

Mr. Soovan Sharma Dookhoo, a prominent advocate for accessibility and inclusion, recently attended COP28 in Dubai, 2023, where he shared his valuable insights and experiences. As the Chairperson of the Climate Action Committee of the Commonwealth Disabled People Forum, Mr. Dookhoo played a pivotal role in representing the interests of persons with disabilities in the global climate change discourse.

During COP28, Mr. Dookhoo drafted a groundbreaking policy paper, building upon an article he presented earlier in March 2023 at the UN. His work was based on Article 11 of the United Nations Convention for Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive climate action strategies that prioritize the needs of individuals with disabilities. 

In his efforts to participate fully in COP28, Mr. Dookhoo relied on the support of logistics provider W&A Consular Diplomatic Services, which facilitated his accommodations at the Rove at the Park hotel, conveniently located near the COP28 venue. Importantly, the hotel provided Mr. Dookhoo with an accessible room that met his specific accessibility requirements as a person with multiple disabilities.

 Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Dookhoo expressed appreciation for the inclusive accommodations provided by W&A Consular Diplomatic Services in providing an appropriate hotel, which enabled him to fully engage in the COP28 proceedings. The importance of such accommodations in ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in global events and decision-making processes. To which W&A Consular Diplomatic Services has prompt and responsive in meeting the needs of Mr Soovan Sharma Dookhoo. 

Throughout my experience at COP28, W&A Consular Diplomatic Services went above and beyond to accommodate my accessibility requirements. From providing accessible transportation options to offering accessible seating arrangements during events, they demonstrated a genuine understanding of the importance of inclusion and equal access. Their staff members were knowledgeable, friendly, and proactive in addressing any accessibility concerns that arose, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. Whether it was providing sign language interpreters, offering braille materials, or ensuring the availability of assistive listening devices, W&A Consular Diplomatic Services consistently prioritized accessibility in every aspect of their services. Their commitment to accessibility not only enhances the experience for individuals with disabilities but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all participants at COP28. 

I am truly grateful for their efforts and would highly recommend W&A Consular Diplomatic Services to anyone seeking exemplary support for their accessibility needs at events and conferences. Mr. Dookhoo’s advocacy efforts at COP28 underscored the critical intersection between climate action and disability rights, highlighting the need for inclusive policies and practices that leave no one behind. 

As a dedicated advocate for accessibility and inclusion, I continue to drive positive change on the global stage, inspiring others to prioritize the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. Mr. Soovan Sharma Dookhoo’s impactful participation at COP28 in Dubai, 2023, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities on the global stage. His advocacy efforts, both at the conference and through his work with the Commonwealth Disabled People Forum, highlight the urgent need for inclusive policies and practices that prioritize the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society. Furthermore, Mr. Dookhoo’s expertise in accessibility audit makes him a valuable resource for organizations seeking to improve their infrastructure and services to better accommodate persons with disabilities. As a professional in this field, Mr. Dookhoo is well-equipped to provide guidance and support to ensure that accessibility standards are met and that individuals with disabilities can access services and participate fully in society. Moving forward, Mr. Soovan Sharma Dookhoo’s advocacy efforts serve as an inspiration for others to prioritize accessibility and inclusion in their own work. By working together to remove barriers and create a more inclusive world, we can ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a sustainable future. 

– Mr. Soovan Sharma Dookhoo, Chairperson of the Climate Action Committee of the Commonwealth Disabled People Forum


INCLUSIVITY THROUGH LANGUAGE LEARNING DURING COP27

Inclusivity has been our guiding principle for years, as evidenced during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. In partnership with the esteemed language learning experts at uTalk, we gifted over 150 of their exclusive language learning applications to diverse international attendees. This was our gesture towards fostering an inclusive environment for all. 

 

We also had the honour of assisting the participation of the Adrian Dominican Sister Durstyne Farnan from Michigan who proudly represents the Dominican Sisters in the United States and globally in the UN. Here is what they had to say regarding their experience with us: “I worked with William for accommodations at COP27 in Egypt. I was so blessed to have their help. They had arrived to take me to the venue as well as accommodated the times I wanted to be at the COP27 events. I hope you I’ll consider working with him this year.” Credit for the picture below to Dr. Yasmine Fouad who is the Minister of Environment of the Arabic Republic of Egypt, who made a great and historical effort at ensuring inclusivity at COP27.

disability inclusion cop29 baku

Free COP29 Delegate Resource by W&A

COP29 delegate resource road transport infrastructure