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Make sure young voices are heard

We called for global decision-makers to listen to young people with disabilities so they are involved in decisions that affect them, but there is more to do. Will you join us?

Young people do not often have a seat at decision-making tables. For young people with disabilities, particularly young women and girls, it is rarer still.

As a result, decisions are made for young people rather than by them, without their knowledge and input, and excluding their unique perspectives and insight.

Our campaign broke the news to global decision-makers that this must change. We believe young people with disabilities should have their say on their future and the future of the world they will inherit.

This year, commitments to accelerate the SDGs culminated in the Pact for the Future, an action-oriented agreement negotiated by member states, agreed at the Summit of the Future in September. Young people’s participation in the drafting of the pact was be essential to ensure no one is left behind.

We supported young people with disabilities at global events throughout the year and made submissions to the drafts, so their voices are included in the Pact for the Future.

Mock-up of a newspaper called The Changing Times.

Read our campaign newspaper

The Changing Times features the stories of young people with disabilities from around the world, as they share their experiences and call for a more equal world.

The ‘Equal World?’ film

The short film brings together the voices of the next generation of disability rights leaders from around the world to galvanise discussion about how young people with disabilities should be engaged in decision-making processes.

You can watch the film below (21 minutes).

Alongside the film, a project team of young people with disabilities came together to discuss and determine the key questions that stakeholders need to consider when addressing the issues presented in the ‘Equal World?’ film. The outcome is the ‘Equal World?’ film discussion toolkit.

How it made a difference

1. Individual action

Adding your voice to our campaign will help us influence governments and decision-makers worldwide.

2. Strength in numbers

The more voices we have, the further our message will spread, increasing its power and its influence.

3. Global impact

When our message reaches key decision-makers, they can enact vital policies that can change lives.

How to get involved

Read our campaign voices

Disability activists, advocates and campaigners from around the world share their experiences and call for change.

Read the stories

Share on social media

Help us spread the word: share our stories and messages to make sure we have the greatest possible impact.

Social media toolkit

Want to hear more about the Equal World campaign?

A girl, who has albinism and is wearing glasses and a mask, sits in a classroom.
Eleven-year-old Noutene, who has albinism, attends an inclusive school in Mali.
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