UN adopts Pakistan-led resolution on access to assistive technology

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a Pakistan-led resolution on Wednesday that seeks to enhance global access to affordable assistive technology, particularly in developing nations. This marks the first-ever General Assembly resolution specifically dedicated to this issue. The resolution, titled 'Access to Assistive Technology', was introduced by Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

He highlighted that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide require one or more assistive products, devices, or related services, yet millions continue to face obstacles in accessing them. These barriers encompass high costs, limited availability, inadequate infrastructure and services, restricted access to technology, and shortages of trained personnel.

Assistive technology covers a broad spectrum of products and services, ranging from wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and hearing aids to screen readers, communication devices, and various digital solutions. These technologies enable children to attend school, assist adults in work, empower older individuals to maintain independence, and facilitate the broader participation of people with disabilities and certain health conditions in society.

Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that assistive technology is not merely a product or device; it serves as a bridge connecting dependence to independence, exclusion to participation, potential to opportunity.

The resolution ties the access to assistive technology to broader development and inclusion goals, such as education, employment, healthcare, social protection, and societal participation. It places a special focus on developing countries, urging international cooperation, financing, and technical assistance for nations grappling with resource and capacity limitations.

Moreover, the resolution acknowledges that the demand for assistive technology remains constant even during emergencies. Nations are encouraged to integrate such technology into their humanitarian preparedness and response strategies, including in situations of armed conflicts and natural disasters.

Counsellor Saima Saleem, Pakistan's first visually impaired career diplomat and an assistive technology user, led the drafting and negotiation of the resolution. Her direct personal experience with assistive technology brought a unique perspective to the initiative, aimed at enhancing independence, opportunities, and equal participation. Pakistan has a history of leading efforts on this issue, having initiated World Health Assembly Resolution 71.8 in 2018, which also received consensus adoption.