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Gopal Mitra
Global Lead on Disability and Development, UNICEF Headquarters
Gopal Mitra serves as the Global Lead on Disability and Development at UNICEF, based in the Programme Group at the organization's New York Headquarters. In this role, he provides strategic and technical leadership aimed at enhancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in development programs and initiatives globally. His work focuses on breaking down barriers and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all children can realize their potential without facing stigma or discrimination.12
Mitra is recognized for his efforts in promoting disability rights and has been involved in various initiatives that aim to improve the lives of people with disabilities. His leadership at UNICEF emphasizes the importance of integrating disability considerations into broader development agendas.1
For more detailed professional insights, you can view his LinkedIn profile under the username gopal-mitra-b584915.
Highlights
On the first ever World Day for Assistive Technology, Let’s prioritize the needs of children and adults who would benefit from assistive technology! Assistive technology (AT) refers to assistive products, and their related systems and services. Assistive products can facilitate people’s everyday actions such as their ability to move, communicate, and see better than before. Ultimately, it transforms lives. There is also a clear economic case for improving access. Research shows investment in four products - hearing aids, prosthetics, eyeglasses and wheelchairs - will result in a return on investment of 9:1. Sadly, today only 1 out of 10 people in low-income countries who needs ATs – have them. The only way to insure that #EveryChild can access the life-changing assistive devices is to work in partnership with governments, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, Private Sector as well as children with disabilities and their families. Let’s improve access to AT, unlocking the everyday for #EveryChild. #UnlockTheEveryday #WorldATDay
All children are entitled to all the rights and freedoms. However it is not the case for every child. Some children, especially with learning disabilities, still experience every day barriers to be equal members of society. It happens because of so many reasons-information is not delivered in accessible formats, textbooks and learning plans are not adapted to individual needs, teachers are not skilled, poor quality of healthcare and negative attitudes. It often starts with attitudes, with shift of perceptions, recognizing that all of us are unique and valued as individuals. As many youth and adults with disabilities pointed out in WDSD 2024 campaign (https://lnkd.in/eyYUs9Ta) stereotypes are powerful. They can hurt children, families and often prevent policies and services from becoming equal and for everyone, ultimately jeopardizing inclusion. 12 years ago on 21 March we started observing the Down Syndrome Awareness Day , to recognize diversity, value individual characteristics and expand the vision for an inclusive world for every child. UNICEF is working to break the stigma and discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities so every child can fulfill their potentials, just like 16-year-old Senayit, Video from Ethiopia. On World Down Syndrome Day 2024, we call for Everyone to End The Stereotypes! Inclusion starts with Me, with you, with All of Us!
