Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) is set to reveal the winners of the inaugural cycle of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion - Damj in mid-June. The award is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. It recognizes institutional efforts to foster a culture of inclusion and promote equal opportunities for People of Determination across different sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Damj Award aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision of creating an inclusive and sustainable society. It supports the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination, which aims to improve the quality of life for People of Determination and their families. The strategy focuses on providing inclusive services in areas such as health, education, tourism, recreation, and transport, alongside promoting inclusive employment and accessibility.
The first cycle of the award saw significant participation, with 372 submissions from government entities, private sector organizations, and third-sector institutions. This indicates a growing commitment to inclusivity and the development of more inclusive and sustainable services for People of Determination.
Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Care Sector at the Department of Community Development, emphasized the award's role as a strategic platform. It encourages institutions to adopt inclusive and sustainable practices that have a tangible impact on People of Determination and their families. Al Hyas highlighted the importance of People of Determination in society and their contribution to comprehensive and sustainable development, positioning Abu Dhabi as a model for empowerment and participation.
She further noted that broad participation from various sectors signifies a shift towards viewing inclusion as a fundamental pillar of a cohesive society. The announcement of the award winners is seen as a milestone in Abu Dhabi's effort to build an inclusive ecosystem, encouraging entities to adopt inclusive policies that ensure equal opportunities and support the active participation of People of Determination.