To commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022, Youth Co:Lab organized an inspiring panel discussion with young social entrepreneurs and disability activists to shed light on the importance of empowering persons with disabilities through innovative intervention and entrepreneurship so that they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.
The virtual discussion titled ‘Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World’ was held on 30th November 2022. The panel was moderated by Alisa Sivathorn - Disability Inclusion and Empowerment Specialist at UNDP BRH. The speakers joining were Youth Co:Lab social entrepreneurs working with and for persons with disabilities; Abrahim Ali Shah, Mobiliti, Parkistan, Jaein Jung, OHFA Tech, South Korea and Tanvir Ahmed Tonmoy, the President of the Physically-challenged Development Foundation(PDF)’s chapter at the University of Dhaka.
They discussed disproportionately higher barriers (including socio-cultural, financial, legal, economic, and institutional) faced by persons with disabilities across Asia and the Pacific, shared stories of young entrepreneurs who work for and with persons with disabilities and how they are overcoming challenges, and highlighted lessons learned from Asia-Pacific experience on innovative strategies and interventions on disability inclusion at the country level that can address barriers and empower persons with disabilities.
Watch the full webinar:
Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship. Read more about Youth Co:Lab here.