ESCAP’s Social Development Division is convening the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Digital Transformation and the Future of Work for Persons with Disabilities as part of the Rehabilitation International-funded project “Advancing disability‐inclusive development through catalysing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.” The Regional Forum, to be held on 2 June 2025, will bring together representatives of governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, thematic experts, project implementing partners, and the private sector from across the region to take stock of progress and good practices, discuss opportunities and challenges, and identify priorities for action. A particular emphasis will be given to digital inclusion in the context of work and employment of persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.
Objectives
The specific objectives of the Regional Forum are to:
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Strengthen the awareness of challenges and opportunities towards realizing digital inclusion of persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, especially in the context of employment and the future of work.
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Facilitate the sharing of good practices, innovative approaches and lessons learned among stakeholders towards realizing digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.
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Facilitate dialogue among decision-makers and actors in the public and private sectors, ICT experts, development partners, and representatives of persons with disabilities, including youth with disabilities, regarding the way forward to further advance disability-inclusive digitalization in Asia and the Pacific
Modality:
The Asia-Pacific Regional Forum will be held in a hybrid format on Monday, 2 June 2025, from 09:00 to 17:00 (Bangkok-time, UCT+7) with in person participation at Meeting Room H in the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Virtual participation will take place via the Zoom platform.
Accessibility support will be provided to participants with disabilities, including through the provision of real-time captioning, International Sign Language Interpretation, and other accessibility-related services. Accessible facilities, including accessible toilets and lifts are available in the United Nations Conference Center.
