More than 500 representatives from national disability organizations gathered in Yeosu, South Korea, to discuss ways to enhance disability rights and improve welfare policies, while strengthening collaborative frameworks across regions and organizations.
The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City announced that the 33rd National Disability Exchange Conference is taking place from October 20 to 21 at the Benecia Hotel in Yeosu.
Co-hosted by the Jeonnam Association of Disabled Persons and the Korean Federation of Disabled Persons Organizations, the event has attracted over 500 members and executives from disability organizations nationwide.
This year marks the 33rd iteration of the conference, which aims to expand exchanges and cooperation among disability organizations and share issues related to regional welfare policies and rights protection.
Particularly, the conference emphasizes that welfare policies for people with disabilities should go beyond mere support to ensure the protection of their rights and facilitate meaningful social participation. This underscores the importance of sharing voices from the field among national organizations.
The conference features lectures and seminars focused on disability rights and welfare policies. Participants are examining current welfare issues and exchanging diverse opinions on policy improvements and rights enhancement.
Awards were also presented to individuals who have contributed to the advancement of disability welfare. This recognition aims to encourage those who have worked to protect disability rights and expand social participation, promoting a practice of welfare centered on the community.
Representatives from disability organizations across the country shared their regional experiences through exchange programs and laid the groundwork for inter-organizational cooperation.
Additionally, a schedule was arranged for participants to visit the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, allowing them to experience the region's cultural and tourism resources while fostering communication.
The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City plans to strengthen cooperation with disability organizations through this conference and will continue to promote policies that ensure the practical protection of disability rights in daily life.
Jeong Kwang-seon, Director of the Welfare and Care Bureau of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, stated, “I hope this conference serves as an opportunity to strengthen communication and cooperation among national disability organizations and to share various opinions for the advancement of disability welfare and rights.”
He added, “We will continue to promote related policies to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are practically guaranteed and that they can participate as members of the community without discrimination.”
The National Disability Exchange Conference is held to facilitate information exchange and build cooperative frameworks among disability organizations, and this year it continued discussions on enhancing disability rights and developing welfare policies in Yeosu.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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