A Devex event in partnership with ATscale
Unlock the everyday:
Advancing the SDGs through the
power of assistive technology
January 16, 2024
About the Event
Join Devex and ATscale on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos as we explore the transformative power of assistive technology, or AT, to revolutionize the lives of millions worldwide.
Access to AT, a critical enabler for people living with disabilities and for older people to fully engage in school, work, and community activities, remains a critical challenge for too many.
An estimated 2.5 billion people are AT users, needing to access eyeglasses, wheelchairs, prosthetics, or hearing aids. Ninety percent of that need is not met in low-income countries, where the potential to unlock lives and achieve the SDGs is immense.
Research from ATscale has demonstrated a remarkable return on investment in AT, with a $9 return on every dollar invested. Improved educational outcomes, healthier lives, and enhanced productivity are just a few of the transformative benefits of investing in AT.
This event brings together political leaders, investors, and the private sector to explore innovative strategies for expanding access to AT and unlocking the potential of millions around the globe.
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Schedule
7:00-7:30 a.m. CET
Guest arrival & networking breakfast
7:30-7:32 a.m. CET
Opening remarks
• Raj Kumar, President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
7:32-7:49 a.m. CET
Fireside chat: How to unlock the everyday: What is AT and why does it matter for the SDGs?
• Pascal Bijleveld, CEO, ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
• Léopoldine Huyghues Despointes, filmmaker, global expert and advocate for people with disabilities; Former vice president of the World Disability Union
Interviewer: Raj Kumar, President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
7:49-7:54 a.m. CET
Keynote speech from the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Samina Arif Alvi
7:54-8:19 a.m. CET
Panel discussion: From policy to practice: What does it take to ensure access to AT for all?
• Caroline Casey, founder, The Valuable 500
• Louise James, managing director, Accenture; global co-lead, Accenture Development Partnerships
• Jorge Olague, deputy director, private sector fundraising and partnerships, UNICEF
• Gilles Carbonnier, vice president, International Committee of the Red Cross
Interviewer: Raj Kumar, President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
8:19-8:27 a.m. CET
Audience Q&A with panelists & fireside chat speakers
• Raj Kumar, President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
8:27-8:30 a.m. CET
Closing remarks
• Raj Kumar, President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
Speakers:
Pascal Bijleveld
CEO, ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
Caroline Casey
Founder, The Valuable 500
Louise James
Managing director, Accenture; global co-lead, Accenture Development Partnerships
Gilles Carbonnier
Vice president, International Committee of the Red Cross
Samina Arif Alvi
First lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Jorge Olague
Deputy director, private sector fundraising and partnerships, UNICEF
Léopoldine Huyghues Despointes
Filmmaker; global expert and advocate for people with disabilities; and former vice president of the World Disability Union
Interviewed by
Raj Kumar
President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
