Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies for all
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2017, the Permanent Missions of the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, Finland, Argentine Republic and Israel joined forces with a number of UN agencies, civil society organizations and the International Disability Alliance, to host a panel discussion and art exhibition at the Palais des Nations.
The panel discussion involved a number of honorable guests, with discussions centered around 3 themes: Inclusive UN; Accessibility; and Engaging broader society. It took place on Monday 4 December 2017 from 10:00 to 12:00 and was divided into three sections of 30 minutes.
At 12:30, on Monday 4 December, the panel discussion was followed by the opening reception of the art exhibition titled ‘Like Wildflowers, Like Stars’ by Kim Geun-tae and children of five continents with disabilities. The exhibition showcased the work of Korean artist Mr Kim Geun-tae’s, whose paintings explore the joy of children with intellectual disabilities through the colors of four seasons. The exhibition continued at Palais des Nations from 4 to 8 December.
Mr Kim Geun-tae’s work has been previously showcased at a number of events with huge success, including the 2015 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at UN Headquarters in New York, the Berlin Wall, the Cultural Institute in Berlin, the Korean Delegation to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, and the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Key messages
- WHO supported nationwide implementation of the Model Disability Survey (MDS) in countries such as Philippines and Qatar, as well as in Baluchistan, Pakistan and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Chile has revised policies and laws related to mental health, employment and transport based on the MDS findings.
- Assistive technologies such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication aids, spectacles, prostheses, pill organizers and memory aids maintain/improve individuals’ functioning, independence and well-being. Only 1 in 10 have access to the assistive technology they need.
- WHO is working towards increasing access to assistive technology and we have published a series of wheelchair training packages.