Helm’s Khotwa 2026 Inclusive Employment Forum Generates 500 Job Opportunities and Attracts More Than 2,500 Visitors
Helm’s Khotwa 2026 Inclusive Employment Forum Generates 500 Job Opportunities and Attracts More Than 2,500 Visitors
Cairo, Egypt – The sixth edition of the Khotwa 2026 Inclusive Employment Forum, organized by Helm, concluded with significant results that underscored growing momentum behind disability inclusion and employment initiatives in Egypt.
The event attracted more than 2,500 visitors, including persons with disabilities, their families, and inclusion advocates, while bringing together nearly 50 companies and 10 civil society organizations committed to advancing inclusive employment opportunities.
According to the organizers, the forum succeeded in facilitating approximately 500 job opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including operations, customer service, technical support, information technology, design, security systems, human resources, and procurement.
Beyond employment outcomes, the event witnessed the signing of two strategic cooperation agreements aimed at expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities nationwide. The first agreement was signed with the Qaderoon Bekhtelaf Fund to establish an integrated national pathway for inclusive training and employment, while the second was signed with Bank of Alexandria as a development partner to support broader inclusion and workforce integration efforts across Egypt.
The forum also recognized three universities among 27 academic institutions that collaborate with Helm in operating and developing disability support centers for students, honoring their contributions to inclusion and accessibility initiatives.
Participants recommended expanding partnerships between government entities and the private sector to ensure the sustainability of inclusive employment opportunities, while calling for enhanced training programs that better connect education with labor market needs and emerging technological trends.
Several initiatives led by persons with disabilities were showcased during the event, including inclusive sports and tourism projects, talent development programs, and participation from the Diarna exhibition, which featured handicrafts and products highlighting creativity and entrepreneurship among individuals with disabilities.
Ramez Maher, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Helm, said the success of this year’s forum demonstrates how inclusion in Egypt has moved beyond awareness campaigns toward creating tangible opportunities and measurable impact.
“The success of Khotwa 2026 reflects a shift from discussing inclusion to building real opportunities. It also confirms that empowering persons with disabilities has become a shared development priority across sectors,” Maher said.
Amina El-Sayeh, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Helm, emphasized that employment is only one part of a broader journey that begins with education, skills development, and professional preparation before leading to economic independence.
“Through the partnerships launched during the forum, we seek to establish a sustainable model that guarantees equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across all Egyptian governorates,” she said.
Since its establishment in 2014, Helm has worked to remove environmental, technological, and social barriers facing persons with disabilities, evolving into a comprehensive platform providing accessibility solutions, employment services, training programs, and inclusion consultancy for both public and private sector organizations.
Over the past decade, the organization has trained and prepared more than 15,000 persons with disabilities for employment opportunities, supported over 500 companies and government entities in creating more inclusive workplaces, and contributed to the establishment and development of 27 university disability support centers in partnership with Amideast and with funding from USAID.
Helm has also played a role in improving accessibility within national projects and cultural landmarks, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and Karnak Temples. Its efforts have earned international recognition, including five Zero Project awards for innovations that improve quality of life and promote inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
