- Rehabilitation International has always been one of our most important partners in standing for their empowerment and inclusion of society. I am proud to work closely with all of you, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said at the opening of RI's 22nd World Congress in Incheon, Republic of Korea.
The 22. World Congress of RI was held with a resounding success at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon, Korea, with over 1,200 participants from 76 countries in October. The opening program was attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and the first Lady of Korea.In his speech Ban Ki-Moon claimed that empowering persons with disabilities strengthens human solidarity for everyone. He said that disability is an issue that is very close to his heart, and that the RI conference was an important step on the road to the future.
- I want to focus today on how much persons with disabilities can contribute to the society. Imagine how much stronger the world would be if the rights of the more than 1 billion persons living with disabilities in the world would be respected, protected and fulfilled. Only when they have the opportunities they deserve, they can genereate ideas, products and inspiration for millions of other people, Ban Ki-Moon stated.
Read the full version of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moons speech at the RI World Congress.
