[NFB-Muslims] wbu braille conference over zoom

[Heather Albright]

salaams, I incourage everyone who can attend to please do if you are a 
braille reader, it is an important issue globally. salaam wa-nor Heather

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GLOBAL OUTLOOK
WBU'S NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2026 EDITION
Welcome to the August 2026 edition of Global Outlook.
It has been a busy and productive few months for the World Blind Union, 
with advocacy and collaboration taking centre stage across the 
globe. From the World Urban Forum and the Conference of States Parties 
(COSP) to the Marrakesh Treaty Assembly at WIPO, WBU has continued to 
advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons who are blind or 
partially sighted on the international stage.
In this edition, you'll find updates on our global advocacy efforts, the 
launch of the Global Declaration for Braille Literacy, scholarship 
opportunities, and news from our members around the world. We also 
highlight important developments in accessibility, including innovations 
in artificial intelligence, technology, and international policy that 
are shaping a more inclusive future.
Thank you for being part of our global community. We hope you enjoy this 
edition of Global Outlook and encourage you to share these stories 
within your networks as we continue working together towards inclusion.

WORLD  BLIND UNION NEWS
WBU President, Santosh Kumar Rungta, wearing a light blue button-up 
shirt sits behind a desk with folded arms in a United Nations conference 
room. A tabletop microphone is positioned in front of them, and an 
electronic display reads "#CSFCRPD."
Around the World with WBU: President S.K. Rungta's Global Advocacy
Over the past several months, World Blind Union President Santosh Kumar 
Rungta has represented WBU at key international forums, ensuring that 
the voices of people who are blind or partially sighted remain at the 
forefront of global discussions on inclusion, accessibility, and 
sustainable development.
At the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions 
focused on creating more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable cities. 
WBU highlighted the importance of universal design and ensuring that 
urban development leaves no one behind.
He also represented WBU at the 18th Conference of States Parties (COSP) 
to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New 
York, Mr. Rungta joined governments, organizations of persons with 
disabilities, and civil society leaders to advocate for the full 
implementation of disability rights worldwide.
Most recently, Mr. Rungta addressed delegates at the Marrakesh Treaty 
Assembly at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 
Geneva, marking the beginning of celebrations for the Treaty's tenth 
anniversary. In his remarks, he called on Member States to move beyond 
ratification and fully implement the Treaty, emphasizing that equal 
access to published works must become a reality for people who are 
blind, deafblind, and otherwise print disabled.
Through his participation in these global forums, Mr. Rungta continues 
to strengthen WBU's voice on the international stage, advancing policies 
and partnerships that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal 
opportunities for blind and partially sighted people around the world.

The Global Braille Literacy Campaign “More Braille, More Empowerment” Logo
Launching the Global Braille Survey: Help Shape the Future of Braille 
Literacy
The World Blind Union and the International Council for Education of 
People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) are launching the Global Braille 
Survey as part of their joint More Braille: More Empowerment campaign.
The survey is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to better understand 
the global braille landscape and gather evidence about braille use, 
education, and access worldwide. It will help address common assumptions 
about braille literacy, including questions about how many people use 
braille, whether children are learning braille in schools, and the 
impact of technology on braille’s continued relevance.
Hosted by: Braillists Foundation

Webinar 1:
Friday, August 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. GMT / 7:00 a.m. EDT

Webinar 2 (repeat session):
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
12:00 a.m. GMT / Monday, August 10 at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Two sessions are being offered to accommodate different time zones. 
Participants only need to attend one session and will receive Zoom 
details after registering.
Register Now.

Opening Doors: New Scholarship Opportunities
The World Blind Union is pleased to offer five scholarship programs that 
support the education, leadership, and personal development of people 
who are blind or partially sighted, with a particular focus on 
individuals from developing countries.
The scholarships provide opportunities in areas including braille 
literacy, post-secondary education, music, youth leadership, and 
supporting blind women and girls. Together, they reflect WBU's 
commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and advancing 
access to education worldwide.
Keep an eye on WBU's website and social media channels and look out for 
an email in the coming weeks for more information about each 
scholarship, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. We encourage 
eligible individuals and organizations to explore these valuable 
opportunities and share them within their networks.

MEMBER NEWS & UPDATES
The National Organization of Spanish Blind People (ONCE) Logo
Braille Honoured as Spain's Intangible Cultural Heritage
The World Blind Union congratulates ONCE on the historic recognition of 
the Braille Reading and Writing System as a Representative Manifestation 
of Spain's Intangible Cultural Heritage, approved by the Spanish Council 
of Ministers.
This landmark designation recognizes braille as an essential part of 
Spain's cultural heritage and acknowledges its enduring role in 
promoting literacy, independence, equal opportunity, and access to 
knowledge for people who are blind or partially sighted.
The achievement reflects the dedication of generations of braille users, 
educators, families, and advocates, as well as ONCE's longstanding 
commitment to preserving and promoting braille. Looking ahead, ONCE has 
also reaffirmed its support for international efforts to secure UNESCO 
recognition of braille as part of the world's cultural heritage, 
building on a nomination led by France and Germany.
WBU celebrates this important milestone and applauds ONCE's leadership 
in advancing the recognition and protection of braille worldwide.

EBU Begins Work on Its Next Four-Year Strategy
The European Blind Union (EBU) is seeking an experienced consultant to 
lead the development of its next four-year strategic plan, which will 
guide the organization's work from 2028 onward.
Building on its current strategy, EBU aims to develop a more focused and 
measurable roadmap that strengthens its impact in key areas, including 
advocacy, governance, fundraising, communications, and member 
development. The selected consultant will work closely with EBU's task 
force to lead consultations with national members and internal 
bodies, analyse the findings, and draft the new strategy for approval at 
the 2027 General Assembly.
The consultancy will run through May 2027 and is expected to require 
approximately 30 days of work. Applicants should 
have demonstrated experience in strategic planning within the non-profit 
sector and a strong understanding of the disability movement.
Applications are open until 16 August 2026.
Read More.

The International Disability Allaince (IDA) Logo
Driving Inclusion: Highlights from IDA's 2025 Annual Report
The International Disability Alliance (IDA) has published its 2025 
Annual Report, showcasing the impact of organizations of persons with 
disabilities (OPDs) in advancing disability rights and inclusion around 
the world.
The report highlights that, together with its members and partners, IDA 
contributed to improving the lives of an estimated 23 
million persons with disabilities. In 2025, IDA supported 203 OPDs, 
helped advance 109 disability-related laws and policies, and enabled 904 
OPD-led initiatives across 67 countries.
Beyond the numbers, the report features stories demonstrating how 
persons with disabilities are leading change in areas such as health, 
education, employment, humanitarian action, climate policy, and 
community inclusion.
IDA credits these achievements to the leadership of its members and the 
collaboration of partners, donors, and allies, reaffirming the 
importance of a strong and united global disability movement.
Read the Report.

GENERAL NEWS
Promotional graphic for the M-Enabling Summit 2026. The text reads: 
"M-Enabling Summit 2026. Connecting Visionaries. Driving Innovation. 5–7 
October 2026, Arlington, Virginia." The G3ict and IAAP logos appear in 
the lower right corner on a blue background with green wave accents.
Innovation and Accessibility Take Center Stage at M-Enabling 2026
Registration is still open for the 2026 M-Enabling Summit, taking 
place October 5–7, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia. The Summit brings 
together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, advocates, and 
persons with disabilities to advance accessible technology and digital 
inclusion.
This year's program will explore emerging technologies, inclusive 
design, artificial intelligence, accessible education and employment, 
digital accessibility standards, and policies that are shaping a more 
inclusive future. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from 
international experts, discover the latest accessibility solutions, and 
build valuable connections across sectors.
The World Blind Union encourages members and partners to participate in 
this leading global event and contribute to the conversations driving 
accessibility forward. Whether you are involved in advocacy, technology, 
education, government, or the private sector, the M-Enabling Summit 
offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to help create a 
more accessible world.
Learn more and register.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Logo
Celebrating 10 Years of the Marrakesh Treaty at WIPO
The World Blind Union joined governments, member states, and 
international partners at the World Intellectual Property Organization 
(WIPO) on July 13 for the Marrakesh Treaty Assembly, marking the start 
of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the Treaty's entry into force.
WBU President Santosh Kumar Rungta delivered an opening statement, 
urging Member States to move beyond ratification and fully implement the 
Treaty so that people who are blind, deafblind, or otherwise print 
disabled have timely access to books in the accessible format of their 
choice. He emphasized that the Treaty's success will be measured not by 
the number of countries that have ratified it, but by the lives 
transformed through equal access to published works.
The anniversary celebration also featured several leaders from the WBU 
community, including WBU EXCO member from ICEVI,  Dr. Praveena Sukraj 
Ely (South Africa), Pablo Lecuona 
(Argentina), Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame (Ghana), and Mark Riccobono 
(United States), who shared personal perspectives on the Treaty's impact 
over the past decade.
The Assembly also welcomed new Contracting Parties and celebrated the 
continued growth of the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC), whose Global 
Book Service now provides access to more than 1.2 million accessible 
books in 80 languages, helping to make the promise of the Marrakesh 
Treaty a reality for readers around the world.
Read more.

WHO Advances Global AI Governance for Inclusive Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently brought together 
representatives from 37 countries in Lisbon to strengthen global 
cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance in healthcare and 
ensure that emerging technologies benefit all patients.
The high-level conference, co-hosted by WHO/Europe and the Government of 
Portugal, focused on building responsible approaches to AI, including 
stronger governance frameworks, accountability, data protection, 
workforce preparedness, and equitable access. Participants discussed how 
countries can harness AI’s potential while addressing risks such as 
bias, safety concerns, and widening inequalities.
For people who are blind or partially sighted, ensuring accessibility 
and inclusion in the development of AI-powered health technologies will 
be essential. As AI continues to transform healthcare systems, 
international collaboration will play a key role in ensuring these 
innovations are designed to serve everyone.
The discussions in Lisbon highlight the importance of inclusive digital 
transformation and responsible innovation to build safer, fairer, and 
more accessible healthcare systems worldwide.
Read More.

We invite all our members, partners, and readers to share feedback, 
suggestions, or topics you’d like to see covered in future editions of 
Global Outlook. Your voices are essential in shaping our ongoing work 
and ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of blind and partially 
sighted individuals around the world. Please feel free to reach out and 
let us know how we can continue to improve and evolve together.
Thank you!
Together Towards Inclusion
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Copyright 2026 World Blind Union
President: Mr. Santosh Kumar Rungta,
Address: 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 3E8
Registered Charity # 85547 1587 RR0001 – Canada Revenue Agency






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