"Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,To Introduce for Adoption Draft Resolution A/80/L.110 Access to Assistive Technology(2ndSeptember 2026)*******Mr. President,On behalf of Pakistan and the co-sponsors, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.110, entitled Access to Assistive Technology, under agenda item 25, Social Development.Madam President,2. Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products, devices and related services from wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and hearing aids to communication devices, screen readers and other digital solutions that enable persons with disabilities, older persons and persons with certain health conditions to live with greater independence and dignity.3. Behind the term assistive technology, are profound human possibilities. A wheelchair can mean a person who could not leave home can go to school, enter a workplace, or participate in community life. A prosthetic limb can restore mobility and independence. A hearing aid can allow a child to follow a teacher and participate in classroom. A communication device can give someone the means to express their choices, ideas, and aspirations. And for a person who is blind, a screen reader can transform a computer into a gateway to education, information, and employment.4. These are not simply products or devices. They can be the bridge between dependence and independence; between exclusion and participation; between potential and opportunity. Yet, for millions of people, they remain out of reach.5. Astonishingly, around 2.5 billion people worldwide need one or more assistive products, devices, or services and millions do not have access. Behind this enormous gap are barriers of affordability and availability, inadequate infrastructure and services, shortage of trained personnel and unequal access to technology.6. For Pakistan, advancing access to assistive technology has been a longstanding commitment. Pakistan initiated the landmark World Health Assembly resolution 71.8 on improving access to assistive technology, adopted by consensus in 2018, and has continued to advance this agenda at the national, regional, and international levels.7. Draft resolution L.110 carries that commitment forward, while broadening the conversation beyond any single sector. Conceived as a one-time resolution, consistent with the spirit of the UN80 initiative, it seeks to focus the attention of the General Assembly on access to assistive technology as a cross-cutting development imperative connected with education, employment, health, social protection and the ability of individuals to participate fully, effectively and meaningfully in society. Accordingly, the resolution calls for sustainable access to quality and affordable assistive technology, particularly for those most at risk of being left behind. It encourages national strategies and priority assistive-products lists; promote research, innovation, stronger data, and appropriate procurement systems; and emphasizes the full, effective and meaningful participation of those who use and benefit from assistive technology in relevant discussions.8. The resolution also calls for systematic inclusion in humanitarian preparedness and response, including in situations of armed conflict and disasters. It encourages stronger international cooperation, strengthening financing, and technical assistance, particularly for countries facing resource and capacity constraints.Mr. President,9. At its core, this resolution rests on a simple conviction: technology fulfils its greatest purpose when it expands human possibility. It is all about dignity, choice, and opportunity and ensuring that no person's potential is limited just because the technology that could enable them remains beyond their reach.10. Before concluding, allow me to express Pakistans sincere thanks to all delegations that have co-sponsored this resolution. I would like to appreciate in particular, my colleague, Counsellor Saima Saleem, who steered the negotiations as well as all our colleagues from various delegations, who led us to consensus through their constructive engagement, flexibility, and valuable contributions throughout the consultations. It is in that spirit that we hope the General Assembly will adopt draft resolution A/80/L.110 by consensus.I thank you."