Unlock the everyday: Advancing the SDGs through the power of assistive technology
Hosted by ATscale in partnership with Devex alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, this event brought together political leaders, investors, and the private sector to explore innovative strategies for expanding access to assistive technology and unlocking the potential of millions around the globe.
The event marked the official launch of Unlock The Everyday - the first ever global awareness raising campaign calling for urgent action to improve access to assistive technology for millions of people around the world. The launch took place during a high level panel event in Davos in partnership with Devex, and was launched by ATscale in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and IDA, among other partners.
The event began with moderator Raj Kumar engaging in a fireside chat with Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, filmmaker and advocate of disability rights, and Pascal Bijleveld, CEO of ATscale, in which Leopoldine shared her lived experiences as an AT user and why the newly launched campaign is important for advancing the SDGs. The keynote speech was provided by the Honourable First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi, who emphasized the life-changing power of assistive technology and the commitment of the President of Pakistan to accelerate access. This was followed by a panel discussion of expert speakers – including representatives from UNICEF, ICRC, Accenture and the Valuable 500.
The following photo summary provides highlights from the event:
Panellists pose together for a group photo at the launch event. From left to right: Louise James, Jorge Olague, Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, Caroline Casey, the Honourable First Lady of Pakistan, Pascal Bijleveld and Dr Maryam Mallick.
Speakers shared their expertise and insights into the power of assistive technology to help shape an inclusive future for all.
The Honourable First Lady of Pakistan and Pascal Bijleveld
Pascal Bijleveld, ATscale CEO
“This is about everyone. The silver tsunami, the ageing wave is going to be driving a massive growth in the need for assistive technology. If we all live long enough, we will all need some form of AT or another.”
Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes sharing her insights
Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, Filmmaker & Global Expert and Advocate of disability rights
“My wheelchair is my legs. My wheelchair is my independence… I wouldn’t have studied, I wouldn’t have lived. I wouldn’t be able to go around and travel and live my life.”
“What does inclusion in society mean? It means healthy lives and reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We don’t realize how important it is to provide assistive technology in order to live with dignity and have a healthy life.”
The Honourable First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi giving the keynote speech
Honourable First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
“When we empower individuals with assistive technology, we are strengthening communities, boosting economies and promoting a more inclusive society… Each step we take in making assistive technology more available is a step closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Jorge Olague, Deputy Director, Private Sector Fundraising and Partnerships at UNICEF
“For a child to have access to a wheelchair and to go to school, that’s life changing and plugging that child into a world of opportunity.”
Louise James, managing director at Accenture; and global co-lead, Accenture Development Partnerships
“Research…shows the increase in productivity gains and that companies that lead on disability inclusion have 1.6 times more revenue and 2 times the profit. It enables you to tap into a workforce that otherwise you’re excluding.”
Professor Gilles Carbonnier, Vice President, International Committee of the Red Cross
“In landmines, very often children are the first victims. You need access to different types of assistive technology…and you need this for a lifetime. Assistive technology is a must, but it must be accompanied by all the other services that go with it.”
Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500 and President of the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness
“I am privileged - I had access to an education because I had access to eye health that made the best of what I had, and I wouldn't be sitting in this chair if I didn’t have that… It’s the greatest liberation of potential.”
Event moderator: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief at Devex
“This is the best of Davos, this kind of discussion. Because what we’re here to do is say there is no one silver bullet answer, but this is a truly global challenge. If all of us can elevate this issue and think about it from our own lens - from the perspective of the company you run, the NGO you work in, the government you represent, then together we can move this. This is just the beginning.”
We are grateful to all our speakers and guests who attended our event!
Together, let’s make assistive technology available and accessible for all those who need it!
Watch this short film to discover more about the Unlock The Everyday campaign and launch event. Video credit: Devex
For more information and to watch the event in full.
Discover more about the campaign and how you can get involved.
Photo credits: Devex/Marcel Mainzer