Director-General's remarks at the Exhibition of artworks and handmade crafts on the occasion of the World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day, organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNOG

Tuesday, 2 April 2024, at 13:00

 3rd floor, Exhibition gallery, Palais des Nations

Ambassador Israfilov, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Dear children,

A warm welcome to the Palais des Nations. 

First of all, I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan and its partners for bringing this outstanding exhibition to the Palais. 

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to affirm and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others. 

It is estimated that worldwide about 1 in 100 children has autism. However, the prevalence of autism in many low- and middle-income countries is unknown.

In recent years, major progress has been made in increasing awareness and acceptance of autism, largely due to many advocates around the world who helped break down stereotypes and showcased the unique strengths and abilities of those living with autism. This, in turn, provoked a change of narrative from the need to “cure” autistic people towards acceptance, support and inclusion.

This beautiful exhibition of artworks and handmade crafts by children with autism reminds us how rich and diverse our world is. 

Once again, I wish to thank the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan for drawing the attention of the Geneva diplomatic community to the need to make our societies more sustainable, resilient and inclusive, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its central promise to leave no one behind.

As we live in an increasingly interconnected world, we should fully recognize that sustainable development cannot happen without inclusion. 

International Geneva, a hub for multistakeholder cooperation, provides an ideal platform to discuss this important agenda. The United Nations Office at Geneva is fully committed to ensuring inclusivity, but also accessibility for all stakeholders.

As home to the Human Rights Council and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNOG has invested great efforts to not only improve the physical accessibility of the Palais, but to also provide relevant services, such as sign language interpretation, access to documentation in Braille and hearing loops. We are also implementing easy-to-understand communication for presenting information in simple words, supported by images. All these tools and services aim at ensuring full accessibility of intergovernmental deliberations taking place at the Palais des Nations. 

Today, on World Autism Awareness Day, let us pledge to uphold the rights of people with autism, break down barriers and build bridges of understanding to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.

Thank you.