General Assembly: 112th Plenary meeting, 80th session

entitled Access to Assistive Technology under agenda item 25, Social Development. President, assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products, devices, and related services from wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and hearing aids to communication devices, screen readers, and other digital solutions. that enable persons with disabilities, older persons, and persons with certain health conditions to live with greater independence and dignity. Behind the term assistive technology are profound human possibilities. A wheelchair can mean a person can go to school, enter a workplace, or participate in community life. A prosthetic limb can restore mobility and independence. A hearing aid can allow a child to follow a teacher and participate in classroom. A communication device can give someone the means to express their choices, ideas, and aspirations. And for a person who is blind, a screen reader can transform a computer into a gateway to education, information and employment. They can be the bridge between dependence and independence, between exclusion and participation, between potential and opportunity. Yet, for millions of people, they remain out of reach. Astonishingly, around 2.5 billion people worldwide need one or more assistive products, devices or services, and millions do not have access. Behind this enormous gap are barriers of affordability and availability, inadequate infrastructure and services, shortage of trained personnel and unequal access to technology. For Pakistan, advancing access to assistive technology has been a longstanding commitment. Pakistan initiated the landmark World Health Assembly Resolution 71.8 on improving access to assistive technology, adopted by consensus in 2018, and has continued to advance this agenda at the national, regional, and international levels. Draft resolution L.110 carries that commitment forward while broadening the conversation beyond any single sector. Conceived as a one-time resolution, consistent with the spirit of the UNAT initiative, it seeks to focus the attention of the General Assembly on access to assistive technology as a cross-cutting development imperative connected with education, employment, health, social protection and the ability of individuals to participate fully, effectively and meaningfully in society. Accordingly, the resolution calls for sustainable access to quality and affordable assistive technology, particularly for those most at risk of being left behind. It encourages national strategies and priority assistive product lists, promote research, innovation, stronger data and appropriate procurement systems and emphasizes the full effective and meaningful participation of those who use and benefit from assistive technology in relevant discussions. Resolution also calls for systemic inclusion in humanitarian preparedness and response, including in situations of armed conflict and disasters. It encourages stronger international cooperation, strengthening financing and technical assistance, particularly for countries facing resource and capacity constraints. It is all about dignity, choice and opportunity and ensuring that no person's potential is limited just because the technology that could enable them remains beyond their reach.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.110 entitled Access to Assistive Technology. May I take it that the assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A slash eight zero slash L ten.

We highlight the importance of assistive technology, bearing in mind the possibilities and capacities of each state and in accordance with its circumstances, priorities, resources and national laws.