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“Power is not given, power is taken”

October 2024

Basiru Bah, one of the Equal World youth champions, attended the Summit of the Future and took with him a message of hope and a call to action for young people with disabilities.

“In September, I attended the Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I took a message with me; it was my continuous clarion call for the involvement of young people with disabilities at all levels. This is not particularly just for empowerment, but to give young people with disabilities platforms to be in these spaces and at the tables where critical decisions are made on issues that will affect us all.

“I emphasised the need for us young people with disabilities to be more active, ready and willing to continue to push for these rights. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, ‘power is not given, power is taken’.

“Meeting fellow campaigners Abia Akram, James Casserly and Maria José Carranza, and the Sightsavers Equal World team was certainly a highlight. Being able to share our experiences and talk about what we are doing in the fight for disability inclusion in our various countries and globally was amazing. Especially about working together and supporting each other in the fight for inclusion and the representation of young people with disabilities in decision-making processes.

“Participating in the panel discussion at the ‘Equal World?’ film screening was another high point, particularly the feedback I continue to receive. I was thrilled when Dr Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, referenced the film launch during The Elders event, and spoke of his delight at the impact young people with disabilities are having globally. It really was remarkable.

Photo: Global Youth Champion Basiru smiles for the camera.

Find out about Basiru

The Elders

The Elders are a group of independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. They were founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 and one of the current elders is Mary Robinson, the first female President of Ireland and the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Basiru speaks onstage during the film panel event. He is joined by another man and two women. One of the women is Abia Akram, who uses a wheelchair.
Basiru (left) speaking on stage during the ‘Equal World?’ film panel discussion.

“Additionally, the Goalkeepers event was another highlight for me. I came away from this event fully understanding that we are not alone in the fight to actualise the Sustainable Development Goals, and meeting other people who are also passionate and doing something was memorable.

“A final personal highlight for me was our visit to the Museum of Modern Art. I was fascinated by the accessibility provision that gave a visually impaired person like me a feeling of artistic work and display through audio description. Moreso, I was able to interact with some of the artistic work, including of one my favourite characters who I read about during my school days.

“Moving forward, I want to see young people with disabilities fully understand their rights as well as their responsibilities and be active enough to be able to demand their rights, such as access to quality education, employment, decent jobs, better health care facilities, and perhaps more importantly for young people with disabilities, to be part of decision-making.

“And finally, I want to see world leaders and governments pay more attention to actions in the implementation of the Pact for the Future.”

Goalkeepers

Led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Goalkeepers are leaders dedicated to accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Basiru wears headphones during his visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Behind him is a large display of tactile, colourful fabric.
Basiru at the Museum of Modern Art.

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