New York (Web Desk): The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a Pakistan-sponsored resolution seeking to make assistive technology more accessible and affordable worldwide, especially for people living in developing countries.
The resolution, named ‘Access to Assistive Technology’, is the first resolution adopted by the General Assembly that is entirely dedicated to the issue.
Introducing the resolution for adoption, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said nearly 2.5 billion people globally require at least one assistive product, device or related service. Despite this widespread need, millions of people still struggle to obtain these essential technologies.
“These barriers included high costs, limited availability, inadequate infrastructure and services, restricted access to technology and shortages of trained personnel,” he added.
Assistive technology covers an extensive range of equipment and services, including wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, screen readers, communication tools and other digital technologies.
These resources can make it easier for children to receive an education, help adults find or retain employment, support older people in remaining independent and enable people with disabilities and certain health conditions to participate more fully in society.
“These are not simply products or devices,” Ambassador Ahmad said, describing assistive technology as “the bridge between dependence and independence; between exclusion and participation; between potential and opportunity”.
The resolution also ties access to assistive technology to broader goals concerning development and social inclusion. These include access to education, opportunities for employment, healthcare, social protection and meaningful participation in society.
Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 2, 2026
To Introduce for Adoption Draft Resolution A/80/L.110 “Access to Assistive Technology”
(2ndSeptember 2026)
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Mr. President,
On behalf of Pakistan and the co-sponsors, I have the… pic.twitter.com/6e2Djzzq3u
A significant part of the resolution focuses on developing countries, urging the international community to strengthen cooperation while providing greater financial backing and technical support to nations struggling with limited resources and institutional capacity.
The document also highlights the importance of assistive technology during emergencies, noting that the need for such support continues even in times of crisis.
Countries are encouraged to include assistive technologies in their humanitarian preparedness and response plans, including measures for armed conflicts and natural disasters.
The resolution was drafted and negotiated by Counsellor Saima Saleem, who is Pakistan’s first visually impaired career diplomat and also personally relies on assistive technology.
The Pakistani mission said her role gave the initiative a unique personal dimension, particularly as the resolution seeks to highlight the ability of technology to promote independence, create opportunities and ensure equal participation for all.
Pakistan has already taken steps to push the issue of assistive technology onto the international agenda. In 2018, it initiated World Health Assembly Resolution 71.8, which focused on expanding access to assistive technology and was also adopted through consensus.