KARACHI: The Network of Organisations Working for People with Dis-abilities (NOWPDP), a local non-governmental organisation, has won the prestigious ‘In­nova­tive Practice of 2018’ award at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria, says a press release.

The organisations selected for these awards went thro­ugh a “rigorous vetting” process by 3,000 disability ex­perts from over 150 countries.

“The organisation team represented by its director Omair Ahmed will formally receive the award on Feb 21 at the UN headquarters in Vienna. It’s the first time a Pakistani organisation has been selected to share their innovative practices in the field of disability inclusion at this event,” says the statement.

Organised by Essl Found­ation, the winning ‘Zero Project’ focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities and provides a platform to share their most innovate and effective solutions to problems that persons with disability face.

“This is a proud moment. The honour will not only help augment our efforts for disability inclusion, but it will also portray a soft image of Pakistan, globally,” president of NOWPDP Amin Hashwani said in the statement.

The organisation focuses on economic empowerment of persons with disabilities through self-employment ven­tu­res and by building the capacity of institutions.

Published in Dawn, February 21st , 2018