I n April 1992, the United Nations Economic and Social Comission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) declared the period 1993 - 2002 as the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons. The month of December 1992 saw the launch of the Decade in Beijing, China through a unique regional initiative.

Two key documents were formulated and adopted namely:

 *    the Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of Persons with Disabilities
       in the Asian and Pacific Region,

        and

*      the Agenda for Action for the Decade.

These documents were endorsed by the Commission in April of 1993. The year 1993 also saw the beginning of Campaign series, the first of which was held in Okinawa, Japan. The following year, it was held in the Philippines, in 1995 in Indonesia, in 1996 in New Zealand, in 1997 in the Republic of Korea, and followed by Hong Kong, China in 1998..

Kuala Lumpur is honoured to host the Campaign '99 Conference for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993 - 2002, to be held at the Palace of the Golden Horses.

The objectives of Campaign’99 are as follows:

*     To help fulfil the aspirations of the Decade, that is to bring about better living
       conditions and facilities for the disabled persons.

*     To review the year’s activities relating to the Decade in the respective countries
       within the Asia-Pacific region.

*      To exchange ideas and experiences regarding the work that has been carried out
        in conjuction with the Decade.

Malaysia has officially endorsed the Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region. Our Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad signed the Proclamation on 16th May, 1994, underscoring Malaysia's commitment to fulfilling the goal of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993 - 2002 i.e. Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities. This is in line with Malaysia's aspiration of a Caring Society.