The XIX WORLD CONGRESS OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF is taking place this year on the beautiful island of Jejudo, Republic of Korea.
The scale of the event is impressive. About 2,000 participants from 130 countries for the period from 11-15 July, 2023 will plunge into the discussion of painful topics related to people with hearing impairment.
The slogan of this year's event is "Securing Human Rights in Times of Crisis". The emphasis will be on protecting the rights and interests of deaf people, improving access to education, work, medical services and other areas of life in times of crisis.
It will be recalled that the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international non-legal organization representing and promoting the rights of more than 70 million deaf people worldwide since 1951. As the Federation of National Associations of the Deaf (NAD) from 131 countries, the WFD is the authoritative representative of the Deaf body worldwide. The WFD has consultative status with the UN ECOSOC and works in collaboration with partners around the world, including the International Disability Alliance, of which the WFD is a founding member.
In turn, the World Congresses are intended to unite delegates from national member associations, youth organizations and other participants who seek to participate in the global exchange of information and promotion of the vision, mission and goals of the WFD. It follows the day after the General Assembly and is held every four years.
A number of important decisions were made at the General Assembly this year. For example, the official flag of the deaf was chosen by voting.
"It's a symbol of our pride in our deaf communities, our deaf culture, and our more than 200 national sign languages!" – said the newly elected president of the organization, Joseph J. Murray.
