DPI United

Assembly started with opening ceremony. Representatives from 14 Membership National Assemblies heard strong and encouraging messages from around the globe.

After the welcome message by Ms. Hidori Hirano, Chairperson of DPI-Japan, Mr. Masahiro Nakata from the Ministry of Foreign Affiars of Japan made a remark showing an expectation towards fruitful discussion under broader topics surrounding persons with disabilities internationally. Through video, three worldwide influential women with disabilities gave encouraging messages: Ms. Judith Heumann from the U.S. Department of State, Ms. Venus Ilagan from Rehabilitation International and Ms. Rachel Kachaje from DPI World. Lastly in the opening session, Mr. Eita Yashiro, Hon. Regional Chairperson of DPI AP, delivered a keynote speech.

On 24 May, 2016, Disabled Peoples’ International Asia-Pacific (DPI AP) Regional Assembly, after heated discussion by delegations from 14 Member National Assemblies, adopted Tokyo Declaration and decided a series of actions toward the Midpoint Review of Incheon Strategy on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities and beyond.

DPI AP will be actively involved in the process of midpoint review of Incheon Strategy through inputs and cooperation to questionnaires to be developed by ESCAP. Four sub-regional networks of DPI AP will be utilized so that the voices of DPI Members at national level will be effectively reflected in the process. Drafting committee of guideline for governance was set up toward the sustainable DPI AP. Lastly, the meeting decided that Bangladesh will host the next Regional Assembly in 2018.