World Blind Union (WBU)
The World Blind Union (WBU) is the sole voice speaking on behalf of approximately 160 million blind and partially sighted persons in 178 individual member countries, representing approximately 600 organizations. The WBU advocates for human rights of persons who are blind and partially sighted and seeks to strengthen their organisations and advance the participation of all persons who are blind and partially sighted including women and youth. (Description taken from IDA Members page)
The WBU is a founding member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and sits both on its board and programme committee and other technical committees. The WBU is also a member of the Cities for All Network and the co-chair of the Partner Constituent Group of Persons with Disabilities – General Assembly of Partners (GAP) who is the mandated mechanism for stakeholder engagement in the New Urban Agenda and the urban dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international agreements.
The WBU works jointly with WBU members, OPD partners and external humanitarian and development partners, including UN Agencies, INGOs and global networks and initiatives, to promote full participation and equal opportunities, protect the human rights of blind and partially sighted persons in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life and ensure that our voice is heard at the global, regional and national levels in all matters affecting our lives. To support this objective, WBU works towards key priorities including on advocacy, capacity building and organisational excellence providing technical expertise and advice on disability inclusion, accessibility and universal design.