Islamabad, April 13, 2023 (PPI-OT): “Dear colleagues, a side event during the Commission on Population and Development entitled “Assistive Technology for Inclusive Development”, co-hosted by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Poland and the World Health Organization. With participation of Member States, leading experts and people with lived experience, the meeting highlighted the role of assistive technology in amplifying progress on inclusive population, education and sustainable development, ensuring no one is left behind.
The event took place on 12 April at the United Nations New York Full text of the Opening Remarks by Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Munir Akram at the Side-Event on Assistive Technology for Inclusive Development at the Margins of 56th Session of Commission on Population and Development (12 April 2023)
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Access to assistive technology is recognized as a human right in the Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Rights of the Child. It is an important component of Universal Health Coverage; and the essential element in improving the participation, inclusion, and quality of life for millions of people around the world and, access to Assistive Technology will contribute to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and related targets, in particular goals, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 16. 2.
We take note with appreciation of the 2022 WHO and UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology which estimates that ‘Mobility’ of 2.5 billion people requires at least one assistive product. The need is projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050.
The Report further highlights significant inequity of access, with as few as 3% having access in some low-income countries to assistive technologies. In this context, I would like to share Pakistan’s role and experience and a few considerations.
3. Recognizing the importance of Assistive Technology for inclusive development, Pakistan tabled the flagship resolution on assistive technology (WHA71.8) at the 2018 World Health Assembly. This was adopted by consensus. It identified improving access to assistive technology as a priority for Member States.
The resolution contributed to understanding the role of Assistive Technology for inclusive development, including health, education, and employment. In the follow-up to the resolution, WHO has developed a priority assistive products list, assistive product specifications, training, and other tools to support Member States in strengthening assistive technology provision.
4. To raise awareness of Assistive Technology for inclusive development, Pakistan’s Health Minister launched the WHO Assistive Product List in Geneva in May 2017. Pakistan also hosted side-events at World Health Assembly in 2016, 2017 and 2018 on this issue. Pakistan will be organizing another side-event on the sidelines of upcoming World Health Assembly.
5. In 2019, the First Lady of Pakistan (Mrs. Samina Alvi) inaugurated and concluded the Global Conference on Assistive Technology at WHO Headquarters Geneva. More than 200 participants from 100 countries participated. We are also proud that WHO’s Global Ambassador on Assistive Technology is from Pakistan, Dr Sana Hafeez, a wheelchair user.
Excellencies, ladies and Gentlemen, 6. Highlighting the role of Assistive Technology, raising awareness, and ensuring access to Assistive Technology for everyone at the international, regional, and national level, is an important priority for Pakistan. Therefore, we tabled the regional resolution on Assistive Technology for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).
This was adopted by 22 countries at the WHO’s Regional Committee meeting in Cairo in 2016. Pakistan initiated the Islamabad Declaration on Assistive Technology which was adopted by 22 countries at the WHO’s Regional Committee meeting in October 2017 held at Islamabad.
Pakistan also hosted the regional meeting for EMR to develop the regional strategic framework on Assistive Technology, making WHO’s EMR region the first region out of six to have such a strategic framework.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 7. Despite being a developing country confronted with resource constraints and while grappling with recovery from the devastating floods caused largely by climate change, Pakistan is committed to create an inclusive society, one that enable the full participation of persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable segments, in the socio-economic life and development of our Nation by ensuring provision of Assistive Technology for all in need of it.
Pakistan was the first country globally to conduct with WHO assistance, a rapid Assistive Technology Assessment Survey (RATA). Such an assessment of country needs for assistive technology provided a model for other countries. 8. Pakistan has established a National Steering Committee on Assistive Technology. The first meeting was chaired by the Honourable President of Pakistan.
Pakistan has also developed a National Assistive Priority List (APL)of 25 products based on the WHO Assistive Priority List, and strengthened national procurement systems by the Introduction of WHO specifications for each of 25 priority assistive product items. For example, customized wheelchairs are being manufactured in the country. A MoU was signed between Pakistan and China in Beijing in October 2019 on Improving Access to Assistive Technology.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 9. The Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without fulfilling the unmet need for Assistive Technology to ensure social, political, and economic inclusion of millions of men, women, and children.
There is an imperative need to demonstrate international solidarity, political commitment and to promote financial support to Assistive Technology and ensure the availability and affordability of Assistive Technology products, devices, and services especially for peoples living in developing countries. I thank you.
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