(VOVworld) - The 2014 Asia & Pacific Disability Forum (APDF) General Conference will open in Hanoi next Wednesday.

The 3-day event will promote the rights of the disabled in the Asia-Pacific region and raise social awareness about this issue. More than 500 disabled people from 42 countries will take part in the event. Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on Friday, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Federation on Disability (VFD) Dang Quynh Mai said the biennial event was intended to review progress made on the realization of the rights of people with disabilities, as set out in a strategy reached at the first APDF in Incheon in the Republic of Korea in 2012. Vietnam will use this occasion to promote its image to international friends and help them learn more about the Party and State’s attention to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, including the Law on Persons with Disabilities.

A number of side events will also be organized, including a walking tour of Hanoi, a display of products made by disabled people, a gala dinner and a singing contest.