UNGA Adopts Landmark Resolution Led by Pakistan to Enhance Global Access to Assistive Technology
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a historic resolution led by Pakistan on September 3, 2026, focusing on boosting global access to assistive technology, particularly for developing nations. This first-of-its-kind resolution emphasizes the importance of making life-changing devices and services affordable and accessible.
The Resolution's Key Points:
-
Definition of Assistive Technology: The resolution defines assistive technology as including wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, communication devices, screen readers, and other digital solutions that enable individuals with disabilities, older persons, and those with specific health conditions to live with greater independence and dignity.
-
Global Need: Approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide require these assistive products, but millions lack access due to various barriers such as affordability, availability, technology access, inadequate infrastructure, and shortages of trained personnel.
-
Inclusion within Development Agenda: The resolution places access to assistive technology within the broader development and inclusion framework, recognizing its connections with education, employment, health, social protection, and participation in society.
-
Call for Action: It urges sustainable access to "quality and affordable" assistive technology, encourages national strategies and priority product lists, promotes research and innovation, strengthens data collection, and enhances procurement systems.
-
International Cooperation: The text highlights the need for enhanced international cooperation, financing, and technical assistance, especially for developing countries facing resource and capacity constraints.
-
Crisis Inclusion: It recognizes that assistive technology is essential during crises, calling for its systematic integration into humanitarian preparedness and response plans, including in armed conflicts and disasters.
The resolution was drafted and negotiated by Saima Saleem, a counselor at the Pakistan Mission to the UN and the country's first visually impaired career diplomat, herself an assistive technology user.