CUAPWD proposes the establishment of an international fair dedicated to disability inclusion within the sectors of trade, economics, and agriculture. This initiative stems from the recognition that Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and individual entrepreneurs with disabilities face significant, systemic barriers when attempting to enter these industries.
It is important for the global community to remember that persons with disabilities represent 16% of the world’s population that is 1 in 6 people have a disability. Despite being the world’s largest minority group, they remain largely marginalized in the global marketplace. Ensuring that this demographic can engage in meaningful participation is essential for equitable global development.
To address these gaps, we call upon the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international bodies to examine these challenges closely. By championing inclusive trade policies and supporting a dedicated international forum, the WTO can help transform international trade into an accessible engine for empowerment and economic independence for all.
