AFID holds a conference every two year – time and this year, the Philippines for the third time will host the 25th AFID Conference on Intellectual Disabilities. As concerns increased over the spread of the corona virus, we have changed the format into a Virtual conference to protect the health of conference goers and presenters.

This conference is a testament to the high level of collaboration among the Asian Countries and the multi-sectoral partnerships in the Philippines that champion the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, as proclaimed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The benefit of such collaboration is the institutionalization of policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion among these people through the schools and communities, which is the main agenda of this conference.

We enjoin your participation for there are opportunities to exchange experiences, discover novel ideas amidst this pandemic and discuss future directions. All the discussions in the sessions will culminate with recommendations in terms of policies and programs, which participants should commit to implement in order that people with intellectual disabilities will uphold their dignity as they live in an inclusive and sustainable life in the family and society.

Finally, I hope that participants will find time to network with colleagues and enjoy the virtual activities in this conference. Welcome and Mabuhay!