A roundtable discussion titled “Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities: Strengthening National Mechanisms”  brought together around 50 participants, including representatives of state institutions, civil society organisations, international partners, and experts from Azerbaijan and abroad. The discussion provided an important platform to assess existing mandates, strengthen inter-institutional dialogue, and raise awareness of national mechanisms promoting equality for persons with disabilities.

A key focus of the presentations was the role of independent monitoring mechanisms under the Ombudsperson’s Office as national equality body, particularly their function in coordinating cooperation among key stakeholders. Participants also heard about international experience from Council of Europe member states, including Türkiye, Serbia and Montenegro, presented by representatives of their respective equality bodies.

The roundtable concluded with an interactive discussion, during which participants identified practical challenges, shared priorities, and explored collaborative solutions to advance equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

This event was jointly organised by the Ombudsperson’s Office within the Council of Europe project Promoting Equality in Azerbaijan, that is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.