ATscale at the UN General Assembly 2025: scaling assistive technology access

The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77), from 22 to 27  September 2025, provided a critical platform for ATscale to advance the global dialogue on access to assistive technology . ATscale utilized this week of high-level events to engage governments, international partners and civil society in continuing the advocacy drumbeat for the integration of assistive technology into global health and development agendas.
 

Goals House: resilience, inclusion and transformation

The ATscale team kicked off the week at Goals House on September 22, joining a networking event with a focus on designing inclusion into core systems. ATscale Goodwill Ambassador, Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, participated in the conversation on resilience, inclusion and transformation, with her keynote address. The event was hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity(MBZFH) and entitled Unlocking Potential: Disability Inclusion as a Catalyst for Sustainable Progress. The discussion convened donors, advocates, civil society and global development leaders to explore the opportunity of inclusion and the need for bolder investment and action to accelerate progress for all. 

Dr Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International, concluded that to mainstream disability inclusion, we need to "turn the hard work of change into the necessity of inclusion".

UNICEF and ATscale breakfast roundtable discussion (23 September) 

Taking advantage of so many leaders being gathered in New York, UNICEF invited ATscale to co-host a discussion on scaling-up access to assistive technology to unlock children’s potential.  

With representation from the governments of Australia, Pakistan, Rwanda and the UK, foundations, including Grand Challenges Canada and MBZFH, and partners such as IAPB, SightSavers and CHAI, the discussion emphasized that assistive technology – such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and communication devices – are essential tools that unlock a child’s right to learn and participate. As George Laryea-Adjei of UNICEF said, “Assistive technology transforms lives. It’s essential for children’s learning, development and participation. A pair of eyeglasses, a hearing aid or a communication device are simple tools that unlock a child’s right to learn and be heard.”

The conversation focused on finding common solutions and innovative funding approaches, including blended financing and the need for strong, aligned systems across health, education and social welfare. 

UNOPS Hosted Engagements Reception 

Later that day, ATscale Goodwill Ambassador Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes formalized her role during the UNOPS Hosted Engagements Reception. A meeting with Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of UNOPS, underscored the strong partnership and support ATscale receives from the United Nations system.

High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) (25 September)

The culmination of ATscale’s policy advocacy came during the HLM on NCDs, where Heads of State and Government met to set a new vision for disease prevention and mental health through the United Nations declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). ATscale CEO, Pascal Bijleveld, was in the room and delivered a powerful statement, stressing the critical link between NCDs and the need for assistive technology.

He urged all Member States to commit to the robust inclusion of assistive technology in the Political Declaration on NCDs, noting that NCDs often lead to physical impairments, and assistive technology products like therapeutic footwear, wheelchairs and crutches are essential tools for preventing severe complications (such as ulcers and amputation for people with diabetes) and supporting daily life. Concluding his address, Pascal stated: “Therefore, I urge all member states to commit to the robust inclusion of assistive technology in the Political Declaration on NCDs.”

Sadly, the UN Declaration on NCDs failed to win formal endorsement despite broad support and wide consensus from leaders on the need to act on NCDs. The resolution will be put forward for approval at the next plenary session of the General Assembly, likely to be later in October. Find out more 

Clinton Global Initiative 2025 Annual Meeting

ATscale CEO, Pascal Bijleveld, was among a select group of leaders in international development and global health during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting on September 24, where he participated in a working group session on health action. The group focused on bolstering public health systems and developing practical solutions together as they discussed what it will take to truly invest in disability-inclusive healthcare, integrated into every global priority, and how to find the resources to transform access and outcomes. Others in the group included Sara Minkara, Former US Special Advisor on Disability, Gopal Mitra, Head of Disability at UNICEF, Sherman Gillums Jr, Executive Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Anastasia Somoza, disability rights advocate.

Outcome and key point of interest

ATscale’s overall engagement successfully elevated the discourse on assistive technology, strengthened existing partnerships and fostered new collaborations to promote collection action and investment in assistive technology. Through high-level discussions, strategic partnerships and public outreach, ATscale effectively amplified its message of assistive technology access and inclusion to a broad international audience.