First Lady Calls for Universal Access to Assistive Technology

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Davos: First Lady Begum Samina Alvi on Wednesday called for ensuring universal access to assistive technology (AT) for persons with disabilities, the aging population, and those suffering from non-communicable diseases.
The first lady, in her keynote address at an event themed “Unlock the Every Day: Achieving the SDGs Through the Power of Assistive Technology” on the sidelines of the 2024 World Economic Forum, urged global leaders to prioritize the integration of assistive technology in their national plans and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) strategies.
“Unlock the Everyday” is the first-ever global campaign on AT that has been launched to raise awareness about everyone’s right to AT, such as wheelchairs, glasses, hearing aids, prostheses, and digital devices, regardless of their geographic and socio-economic background.
The event, organized by Devex and AT scale at the SDG Tent in Davos, was attended by high-level leaders specializing in disability inclusion, technology, and impact investment and aimed to explore the transformative power of AT in revolutionizing the lives of millions of people who have special needs.
Begum Samina Alvi said that the AT was a critical tool for achieving the SDGs as it could open up opportunities for education, employment, and inclusion in society for people with special needs.
She called for greater collaboration among technology experts, policymakers, and advocates worldwide, besides urging the public and private sectors to invest in technologies that empower people.
The first lady highlighted that globally, 2.5 billion people needed at least one assistive product, whereas access was only 3 percent in low-income countries.
“Affordability, availability, and accessibility remain key challenges, particularly for individuals in low-income and marginalized communities. She remarked that we must strive to overcome these hurdles and ensure that assistive technology reaches those who need it the most, leaving no one behind.
Begum Samina Alvi emphasized that Pakistan was committed to creating an inclusive society and advancing the agenda of enhancing access to assistive technology.
She said that Pakistan stood at the forefront of advocating for assistive technology, both within its region and on the global stage.
She highlighted that Pakistan had made significant efforts at the global level to promote AT, including proposing and adopting regional and global resolutions, hosting key events, launching the WHO Assistive Product List, and developing a regional strategic framework for AT.
Begum Samina Alvi stressed that sharing the best practices, knowledge, and resources would help create a collective impact on a global scale.
“Assistive technology also plays a key role in universal health coverage by ensuring that health services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities,” she added
She also called for prioritizing research and development to ensure the continuous innovation and improvement of AT.