In a significant stride towards cultural inclusivity and accessibility, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the China Museums Association (CMA) co-hosted the Symposium on Museum Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities on 24 August 2024 during the 10th “Museum Expo”.
Museums, as treasure troves of human knowledge and experience, play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage and engaging the public with diverse histories and cultures. However, the needs of over 85 million persons with disabilities in China have often been overlooked. The symposium, emphasizing the equal right of all individuals to participate in cultural life, is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a flagship event under the project "Accessible Museums for Persons with Disabilities," it falls under a broader programme funded by the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). The programme stands as a testament to UNESCO's commitment to culture-driven sustainable development, underscoring the importance of a human-centered approach to development that fosters long-lasting mutual respect and dialogue among cultures.