UK Government to host its first ever Global Disability Summit

Press Release from the UK Government

Penny Mordaunt is the British International Development Secretary and in her first speech, which took place at Microsoft HQ, she announced some good news. The UK will co-host the Global Disability Summit in 2018, which will bring together global leaders and tech giants in a bit to tackle disability in the world’s poorest nations.

Speaking ahead of her speech, the International Development Secretary said:

For too long many people living with disabilities in the world’s poorest countries have not been able to fulfil their potential due to stigma or a lack of practical support. They are, for example, missing out on school and the chance to work.

Discrimination is unacceptable in today’s society. I want us all to act now and break down the barriers people with all disabilities face in their everyday lives, so they are not short-changed on opportunities to use their entrepreneurial spirit to help their countries prosper.

That’s why I am bringing technology companies, governments and charities together at the UK Government’s first-ever Global Disability Summit in London in July 2018, to show our commitment to transform the lives of people living with disabilities.

The Global Disability Summit will be co-hosted with the International Disability Alliance. Wouldn’t it be great if Physiotherapist could be a part of this summit and take part in shaping a better community for those who are disabled. As health professionals we have a responsibility to promote good health in everyone and Physiotherapists are well places to make a positive impact in public health policy. We’ve made some inroads into physical activity and obesity but what about disability?

For every £1 donated to a UK Aid Match charity appeal, the government will also contribute £1 of UK aid, to help these projects go further in changing and saving lives.