A group photo was taken of the Asia-Pacific session, including participants, DET facilitator and organizers APCD and JICA on 14 January.

A group photo was taken of the Africa, Central and Eastern Europe Regions session, including participants, DET facilitator and organizers APCD and JICA on 21 January.

On 14 and 21 January, Mr. Yohei Takahashi, Director, Social Security Team, Human Development Department, JICA provided the opening remarks.

On 14 January, Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator from Malaysia facilitated the interesting DET session exercise on “what is Disability” 

Mr. Fariz facilitated on “How to solve” Session

On 21 January, Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET facilitator facilitated on “Listen to User’s Voice” Session

Ms. Nayfeh, facilitated the session on development of an action plan with participants.

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) successfully launched the 2026 Disability Equality Training (DET) Online Course for JICA National Staff in Asia Pacific, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe Regions on 14 and 21 January 2026.

The training program is implemented by APCD with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters. The objective of the course is to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capacities of JICA national staff to effectively promote disability inclusion in development cooperation. The DET program is designed to respond to the specific needs of JICA offices across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Central, and Eastern Europe regions.

The session was officially commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Yohei Takahashi, Director, Social Security Team, Human Development Department, JICA. Mr. Takahashi shared thoughtful insights and encouraging messages, emphasizing JICA’s commitment to disability inclusion and the importance of capacity development among its national staff. Following the opening session, participants joined a virtual group photo to commemorate the occasion.

The main session of the training featured an Interactive DET session lasting 60 minutes. The session was facilitated by Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator, from Malaysia on 14 January and by Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET Facilitator from Jordan 21 January.

This interactive session encouraged active participation, reflection, and shared learning among participants, focusing on disability inclusion concepts, lived experiences, and practical approaches to inclusive development.

A total of 26 participants joined the course. By the end of the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of disability inclusion and developed action plans to support more inclusive, equitable, and accessible work environments for persons with disabilities.