Access to Assistive Technologies ‘Is a Human Right’, Deputy Secretary-General Stresses in Message for Launch of Global Report

(Delayed for technical reasons)

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message to launch the Global Report on Assistive Technology, held virtually and in Geneva today:

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Around the world, 2.5 billion people need assistive technology in order to live their lives and achieve their full potential.  With populations ageing and rising numbers of people affected by non-communicable diseases, this number is projected to increase to some 3.5 billion people by 2050.

Access to assistive technologies is a human right, and a precondition for equal opportunities and the participation of all, including persons with disabilities.  But such access varies dramatically.  In some countries, as little as 3 per cent of people that need assistive technology have access to it.  This cannot continue.  Insufficient and inequitable access to assistive technology is simply unacceptable in the twenty-first century.

We have a clear road map forward.  The 2030 Agenda, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy provide the foundation for transformative progress on disability inclusion and in ensuring we leave no one behind.

The Global Report on Assistive Technology that we are launching today provides clear recommendations on how to increase access to assistive technology and is an excellent follow-up to the commitments made at the Global Disability Summit earlier this year.  I congratulate WHO [World Health Organization] and UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund] for their leadership in this field.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have eight years to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality.  International cooperation is essential to achieve universal access to assistive technology.  Universal access reduces gender inequalities, strengthens communities and supports sustainable growth, with a high social and economic return on investment.

I call on all countries and leaders everywhere to take ownership of designing, developing, and delivering assistive technology for every person in need.  Let’s ensure that together we build a world of dignity, solidarity, and opportunity for all.