Commencing ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, WeThe15 aims to end discrimination towards persons with disabilities and act as a global movement publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion, and accessibility.
Spearheaded by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Disability Alliance (IDA), WeThe15 brings together the biggest coalition ever of international organisations from the worlds of sport, human rights, policy, business, arts, and entertainment.
As part of the project, colleagues from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London have been contracted to provide an analysis of the effectiveness of the initial campaign. The initial focus will be on four global territories: UK, Peru, Malawi and Finland.
In a sign of solidarity with the movement, the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Campus – along with many world landmarks – will be lit up purple for the duration of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Dr Andrea Geurin, Acting Institute Director for the Institute for Sport Business, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London, said:
“Over the last year the Global Pandemic has produced a seismic shift towards inclusion – mainly driven by social media.
“The WeThe15 campaign is a real opportunity to make the world a better and more inclusive place for everyone. Our research will help to improve the effectiveness of the campaign. It is amazing to play our part in such a movement.”
The project will unite international organisations to fight for a better, equal and inclusive world. Stakeholders will also work with governments, businesses, and the public over the next decade to initiate change for the world’s largest marginalised group who make up 15% of the global population.
IPC President Andrew Parsons added:
“WeThe15 is the biggest ever human rights movement for persons with disabilities and aims to put disability right at the heart of the inclusion agenda, alongside ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.
“By uniting several leading international organisations and the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities behind one common movement, we will make a tangible and well overdue difference for the planet’s largest marginalised group.
“Sport, and events such as the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, are hugely powerful vehicles to engage global audiences. By partnering with Special Olympics, Invictus Games, and Deaflympics, there will be at least one major international sport event for persons with disabilities to showcase WeThe15 each year between now and 2030. This could be a real game-changer for 1.2 billion people and underlines the hugely positive impact sport can have on society.”
For further information about WeThe15 please visit www.WeThe15.org and follow @WeThe15 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
