In June 2026, SK Rungta and Susan LaVenture, Presidents of the World Blind Union (WBU) and the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI), jointly launched the Global Declaration on Braille Literacy in Education during the 19th Session of the United Nations Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CoSP19).
We warmly invite governments, UN agencies, organisations, institutions, professional bodies, educational providers, and individuals to endorse the Declaration and add their voices to this important global call for action. The Declaration may be downloaded from the ICEVI website in English, French and Spanish. Go to: https://icevi.org/global-declaration-add-your-voice/.
Endorsements may be submitted through any of the following options:
- Complete the online endorsement form by following the link:
https://forms.gle/78TkRcSRmtDVMnb56 - Endorse via the ICEVI website:
https://icevi.org/global-declaration-add-your-voice/#endorse-the-declaration - Send an email endorsement to [email protected]
Please include the following information in your email:
- Name
- Title or position
- Organisation affiliation
- Country
- Email address
- Type of endorsement (UN agency, government ministry, organisation, institution, individual, etc.)
- Consent to include your name and/or organisation in the public list of endorsers
The Declaration affirms that braille literacy is a fundamental human right and an essential component of inclusive education. It calls upon Governments, Ministries of Education, legislative bodies, educational institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, families, professionals, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that learners who are blind or have low vision have equitable access to braille instruction, materials, technologies, and qualified teachers.
The Declaration further recognises the vital role of braille literacy in advancing implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Together, we can help ensure that every child, young person, and adult who relies on braille has the opportunity to become literate, participate fully in society, and realise their potential. Thank you for your support of this important global initiative.