VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Makassar City, South Sulawesi, will host the ASEAN High-Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025 from October 9 to 13, 2023.

Makassar Mayor Moh Ramdhan Pomanto said here on Thursday that he welcomed all international events scheduled in Makassar.

"We welcome every activity that will be held in Makassar city and will always give a good impression to the guests," he added.

Indonesia is holding the 2023 ASEAN chairmanship with a focus on finding ways to strengthen ASEAN and make it a fast-growing, inclusive, and sustainable economic region.

Pomanto said his administration will carry out preparations to ensure the event runs smoothly and leaves attending delegates with a good impression.

According to him, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini has inspected the venue for the event. He said that his side will improve several facilities to make the venue disabled-friendly.

The AHLF on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025 will be held at the center for social rehabilitation and protection Sentra Wirajaya Makassar.

"There is a lot we are working on, from parks to toilets because we want them to be disability-friendly," he said.

Makassar has hosted several international events this year, including the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) in June, which was joined by 35 countries, he noted.

He said the city also hosted the Makassar International Eight Festival and Forum (F8) and the ASEAN Architect Congress.

"This year, we have hosted many national and international activities," he added.

The AHLF on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025 will be attended by ASEAN Social Welfare and Development Ministers, ASEAN sector bodies, organizations of persons with disabilities, the ASEAN Studies Center, disability study centers of Indonesian universities, and the private sector.

The forum aims to identify the region's challenges in strengthening disability-inclusive development and discuss concrete recommendations and action plans to accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025. (Antaranews)