A group photo was taken of the Asia-Pacific session, including participants, the DET facilitators, organizers from APCD and JICA.

The sessions began with opening remarks by Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Deputy Director General and Group Director for Higher Education and Social Security Group.

Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator from Malaysia, leading the Action Plan Activity with participants. 
 

APCD successfully launched the Disability Equality Training (DET) Online Course for JICA National Staff in Asia Pacific Region

On 18 June 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters, implemented the 2026 Program: DET Online Course for JICA National Staff in Country Regions. The program is conducted in two groups. The first group is for JICA national staff from Asia and the Pacific, while the second group will be held on 17 September 2026 for participants from Africa, Central and Eastern Europe.
The session for officially commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Deputy Director General, and Group Director for Higher Education and Social Security Group, Human Development Department, JICA. Mr. Miyata emphasized JICA’s commitment to disability inclusion and the agency's approach based around four essential pillars: establishing accurate Data Collection to expose hidden barriers; building Enabling Environments that favor a social model of accessibility over a medical one; providing Reasonable Accommodation through individual dialogue; and ensuring Meaningful Participation by embedding inclusion into every phase of the project lifecycle.
The main session was hosted by Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator, and accompanied by Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET Facilitator. The session, including 15 participants, fostered active participation, deep reflection, and collaborative learning around disability inclusion concepts, lived experiences, and practical development strategies. By the end of the training, participants had deepened their understanding of disability inclusion and concrete action plans to build more accessible, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.
 

From left to right, Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke, Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki (left) and Mr. Piroon Laismit (right), both holding a gift together, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (seated in a wheelchair in front of Mr. Somchai Rungsilp), and Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat pose for a group photo

JICA representatives (left) discuss with APCD representatives (right)

Mr. Piroon Laismit (center) speaks during the meeting while Mr. Somchai Rungsilp (left) and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (right) listen attentively

From left to right, Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki, and Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke participate in the meeting

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp (center) speaks during the meeting while Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) listen attentively

Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke (center) and Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki (left) listen attentively 

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat (center) listen attentively 

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) provides information about APCD 60+ Bakery and Chocolate Café to Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki (left) and Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke in the background

Mr. Piroon Laismit (center) provides information about APCD 60+ Bakery and Chocolate Café to Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki (left) and Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke (right)

Mr. Piroon Laismit (center) together with Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki (right) and Mr. SAKUDO (right side of Mr. Piroon Laismit) order beverages at APCD 60+ Bakery and Chocolate Café

From left to right, Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke, Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (seated in a wheelchair in front of Mr. Piroon Laismit) pose for a group photo

From left to right, Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke, Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (seated in a wheelchair in the center) pose for a group photo
 

JICA Visits APCD to Strengthen Partnership and Promote Disability-Inclusive Development

On 1 July 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a courtesy visit to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two organizations and discuss future collaboration in advancing disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.

The JICA delegation was led by Mr. KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki, Senior Vice President, JICA; Mr. SAKUDO Shunsuke, Chief Representative, JICA Thailand Office; and Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Program Officer, JICA Thailand Office.

The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD; Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager, Community Development Department; Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Manager, Information & Knowledge Management; and Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer.

During the visit, both organizations exchanged views on future areas of cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting disability-inclusive development, accessibility, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The JICA delegation also visited the APCD 60+ Bakery and Chocolate Café, where they learned about the project’s approach to promoting inclusive employment through vocational skills development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The visit reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between APCD and JICA and reflected the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing disability-inclusive development and fostering a more inclusive society where no one is left behind.