[PDFlist] FW: WBU'S GLOBAL OUTLOOK - MARCH 2025 EDITION

Wed Mar 5 09:36:18 +12 2025

Kia ora koutou,

Find below the World Blind Union’s regular bulletin that includes news and opportunities.

Martine

Martine Abel-Williamson – WBU president

From: World Blind Union <info at wbu.ngo> 
Sent: Wednesday, 5 March 2025 1:00 am
To: Martine <martine.the1 at xtra.co.nz>
Subject: WBU'S GLOBAL OUTLOOK - MARCH 2025 EDITION

 <https://mailchi.mp/wbu/wbus-global-outlook-18094098?e=c4a05e11c8> View this email in your browser

GLOBAL OUTLOOK
WBU'S NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2025 EDITION

Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Global Outlook! This year is a special one for the blind and partially sighted community as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of braille—a system that has opened doors to literacy, education, and independence for millions. As we recognize this milestone, the World Blind Union remains as committed as ever to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive world. With the 11th General Assembly in São Paulo just months away, we’re gearing up for important conversations and collective action to shape the future of inclusion and accessibility. Stay tuned for the latest updates, stories, and initiatives driving change worldwide! 

WORLD  BLIND UNION NEWS

Yaw Ofori Debra Receives Ghana’s Prestigious Order of the Volta 

Yaw Ofori Debra, WBU’s second vice-president and a lifelong advocate for disability rights, has been awarded the Order of the Volta, one of Ghana’s highest national honors. Presented by the President of Ghana, this award recognizes his dedication to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. 

As a former president of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Yaw has been instrumental in shaping policies that advance the rights of persons with disabilities across the country. His leadership continues to inspire change and push for a more inclusive society. 

Next, Yaw will bring his expertise to the global stage as he attends the Global Disability Summit in April in Berlin, Germany, where leaders and advocates from around the world will discuss ways to advance disability rights and inclusion. 

The World Blind Union congratulates Yaw on this well-deserved recognition! 

Strengthening Collaboration with Ukrainian Organizations of the Blind 

In February, WBU participated in a series of important meetings in Warsaw with several Ukrainian organizations of blind people, alongside the Danish Association of the Blind (DAB) and the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (NABP). These discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to support blind and partially sighted people in Ukraine, particularly in the areas of humanitarian aid, advocacy, rehabilitation, and accessibility. 

Despite the ongoing challenges of war resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian organizations of the blind have demonstrated remarkable resilience in providing essential services, from evacuations and shelters to advocating for accessible infrastructure and digital inclusion. The meetings provided an opportunity to align priorities, explore joint projects, and identify ways to ensure long-term sustainability for blindness organizations in Ukraine. 

By working together, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive future for blind and partially sighted people in Ukraine. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and turning these discussions into action. 

WBU Scholarships: Empowering Blind and Partially Sighted Individuals 

The World Blind Union (WBU) is committed to empowering blind and partially sighted individuals through five scholarships, with a focus on those from developing countries. These scholarships help recipients further their education, develop leadership skills, and promote Braille literacy. 

Opportunities include the Barbara Marjeram Braille Literacy Scholarship for blind women and girls, the Gerald Dirks Scholarship for post-secondary students, and the Mary Hochhausen Prize for Music and Braille Literacy. The Pedro Zurita Youth Fund and the Hermoine Grant Calhoun Fund also support young people pursuing education and personal growth. 

Applications are accepted year-round, with reviews of submitted applications beginning after April 30. If you or someone you know could benefit, email  <mailto:scholarships at wbu.ngo> scholarships at wbu.ngo to apply. You can also support these life-changing opportunities by making a donation that will be used exclusively for supporting one or more of our scholarships. Contact  <mailto:info at wbu.ngo> info at wbu.ngo for details. 

WBU Officers’ Meeting – Madrid, Spain May 2025 

>From May 19–22, 2025, the World Blind Union’s leadership will meet in Madrid, Spain, to discuss key priorities for the organization. This gathering will focus on finalizing plans for the 11th General Assembly in São Paulo and laying the groundwork for WBU’s next strategic plan. 

The meeting is an important opportunity for WBU’s officers to align on advocacy efforts, set future goals, and strengthen partnerships. WBU is grateful to Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE) for its generous support in hosting this event. 

Watch future editions of Global Outlook for key takeaways and next steps.  

MEMBER NEWS & UPDATES

A New E-Learning Course on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction 

CBM Global, an international member of the World Blind Union, has partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to offer a new e-learning course on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR). This course is designed to help organizations and individuals ensure that persons with disabilities are included in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. 

Participants will explore topics like the specific barriers faced by people with disabilities during disasters and learn practical steps to make disaster risk reduction efforts more accessible and inclusive. 

This free course is available to anyone interested in improving their approach to disability-inclusive disaster planning. To enroll and learn more, visit the  <https://worldblindunion.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3d30465cab01af49cfca7e8d&id=7be1a2d2eb&e=c4a05e11c8> UNDRR website. 

Advancing Braille: The Work of EBU’s Braille Working Group 

Braille is more than just a writing system—it’s a key to literacy, independence, and equal access for blind and partially sighted people. That’s why EBU’s Braille Working Group is working to protect and promote its use worldwide. 

With 2025 marking Braille’s 200th anniversary, the group is stepping up efforts to raise awareness, advocate for better access, and ensure Braille keeps pace with evolving technology. From education to employment, Braille remains essential, and the group is committed to making sure it stays that way. 

By sharing best practices, conducting research, and pushing for policies that support Braille users, the group is helping to secure its future for generations to come. 

Learn more about their work at the  <https://worldblindunion.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3d30465cab01af49cfca7e8d&id=fa3cdd27ba&e=c4a05e11c8> EBU website. 

CNIB’s International Internship Program: Opportunities for Young Canadians 

With support from Global Affairs Canada, CNIB is offering international internships for Canadians aged 18–30 who are blind, low vision, or Deafblind. This program gives young professionals hands-on experience while supporting organizations that serve people with sight loss around the world. 

In 2024, interns worked with organizations in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Guyana, taking on roles in research, IT, business administration, communications, program development, and more. CNIB works closely with host organizations to match interns with meaningful projects based on their needs. 

The program will continue every year—both in-person and virtually—through 2028. CNIB is looking for new partner organizations to host interns and help expand opportunities for young professionals in the blindness community. 

If your organization is interested in collaborating, reach out to Michael Trolio at  <mailto:michael.trolio at cnib.ca> michael.trolio at cnib.ca.  

Diana Stentoft Elected Chair of the Danish Association of the Blind 

Big congratulations to Diana Stentoft, who was elected Chair of the Danish Association of the Blind (DAB) on February 7, 2025! She will officially take on the role starting April 1. 

Diana is no stranger to the global blindness community—she currently serves as WBU’s Secretary General, chairs the WBU Development Committee, and represents WBU at International Education for People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI). Her leadership and dedication have made a real impact, and we’re excited to see her bring that experience to the top position in DAB. 

DAB has long been active beyond Denmark, leading projects in Africa and Asia to support blind and partially sighted people. With Diana at the helm, we know DAB will continue to be a strong voice on the international stage. 

Wishing Diana and the team at DAB all the best in this new chapter! 

GENERAL NEWS

Blind LGBT Pride International Launches Global Coalition for LGBTQIA+ Rights 

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) is taking a stand against policies that threaten the rights of marginalized communities, forming a global coalition to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Recognizing that equality knows no borders, BPI is joining forces with allies worldwide to push back against discrimination and uphold human rights for blind and low-vision LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

“This is not just a U.S. issue—it’s a global issue,” said BPI Vice President Anthony Corona. “By working together, we can create meaningful change and ensure inclusion remains at the forefront.” 

BPI is calling on individuals and organizations to unite in this effort, building a future rooted in equity and justice. Those interested in joining the movement can learn more at  <https://worldblindunion.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3d30465cab01af49cfca7e8d&id=fcd1c4f87a&e=c4a05e11c8> www.bpi.gay. 

IDA Strengthens Commitment to Inclusion with Constitutional Amendments 

The International Disability Alliance (IDA) has adopted significant governance reforms to enhance inclusion, transparency, and accountability. These changes, introduced during IDA’s General Assembly in Istanbul (January 24-26, 2025), mark an important step toward strengthening representation and leadership within the global disability movement. 

Following extensive consultations with IDA members, the revised Articles of Association aim to give persons with disabilities a stronger voice in decision-making while ensuring more effective governance. Key changes include a clearer distinction between the General Assembly and the Board, new term limits for leadership roles, and a renewed commitment to gender diversity. 

Elections for all positions under the new structure will take place within 90 days. To learn more about IDA’s work, visit  <https://worldblindunion.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3d30465cab01af49cfca7e8d&id=8932b5f0aa&e=c4a05e11c8> their website.  

The Impact of the USAID Funding Freeze on the International Disability Movement 

Disability Debrief, a useful source of news and information about the global disability community, recently released an edition that covers an urgent issue: the freeze on USAID funding and its impact on the international disability community. Many organizations that rely on this funding are now facing serious uncertainty, with essential programs supporting education, employment, and healthcare at risk. 

This funding halt threatens to slow down years of progress, forcing organizations to seek alternative support to keep their work going. It’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable disability rights efforts can be to funding shifts—and why long-term, reliable support is so crucial. 

As the disability community rallies together, there is a renewed call for global solidarity to protect hard-won progress. 

Read the full article on  <https://worldblindunion.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3d30465cab01af49cfca7e8d&id=a070aa804c&e=c4a05e11c8> Disability Debrief to learn more. 

Blind Athletes Shine at the Invictus Games 

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, is a multi-sport event that brings together wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans from around the world. It’s a celebration of their strength and resilience, where athletes compete in a variety of sports, showing the world that their disabilities don’t define them. 

This year, retired army Staff Sergeant Michael Murphy — who lost his eyesight in a December 2018 airfield accident in Volos, Greece, was one of many blind and partially sighted athletes competing in the games. Murphy competed successfully in the alpine skiing event. 

The Invictus Games continue to inspire and push the boundaries of what’s possible, showing that courage and skill can shine through any challenge. 

Learn more about  <https://worldblindunion.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3d30465cab01af49cfca7e8d&id=f617bf3fcf&e=c4a05e11c8> Invictus Games. 

We invite all our members, partners, and readers to share feedback, suggestions, or topics you’d like to see covered in future editions of Global Outlook. Your voices are essential in shaping our ongoing work and ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of blind and partially sighted individuals around the world. Please feel free to reach out and let us know how we can continue to improve and evolve together.
You are invited to contact our Communications Specialist, Adam Ha, at Adam.Ha at wbu.ngo 

Thank you!  

Together Towards Inclusion 

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