The World Blind Union works to make the world a better place for those of us who are blind or partially sighted. In order to do this effectively we must tackle issues dealing with all aspects of life, and focus on technologies that have a direct effect on the lives of everyone, especially blind and partially sighted persons.
Our priorities are decided upon at the WBU General Assembly, held every four years. The key priorities and initiatives are articulated in the WBU Strategic Plan found in this section (below). For each priority or focus area, we set up committees and working groups and these are listed and described on that page. WBU Officers and others who represent member organizations work on these committees.
The work undertaken by the WBU on behalf of its members is carried out in the six WBU Regions and by WBU members who assume responsibility for various initiatives. As blind people from around the globe working together over the years, we have achieved much and advanced our cause by working on many diverse issues.
Strategic Plan
The strategic plan sets the direction and priorities for the WBU for the 4-year term 2017 – 2020. It guides the organisation in its role as the representative voice of blind and partially sighted people worldwide and specifies the priorities to be undertaken during this period.
This plan has been developed by the WBU Table Officers, Regional Presidents and a number of resource persons. It builds on the prior Strategic Plans developed for the last three quadrennial periods, reflecting our organizational learning and achievements over the past number of years, emerging environmental trends and the continuation of current priorities as well as new priority areas. The Strategic Priorities for this period are: Human Rights and Representation, Capacity Building, Accessibility, Information Sharing and Collaboration. Our Enabling Priority is: Organizational Effectiveness. Read more
Work Plan
Our Work Plan 2017-2020 elaborates the activities planned under each strategic priority area, the objectives, initiatives and action plans. Read more
Human Rights and Representation
In line with the UNCRPD, SDGs and other Human rights treaties, we are focused on promoting full participation, equal opportunities, and protecting the human rights of blind and partially sighted persons in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life, and ensuring that “our voice is heard at the global, regional and national levels in all matters affecting our lives.” Read more
Capacity Building
Strengthening the capacity of the member organisations is a key priority of our work. In our efforts to build the capacity of our members, we provide Scholarships to students from developing countries to enhance braille literacy and lifelong learning. In addition, we promote Employment opportunities for persons who are blind or partially sighted, particularly through our Project Aspiro. Read more about our Capacity Building Programme.
Accessibility
The World Blind Union is “working towards a world that is increasingly accessible to persons who are blind or partially sighted”. Read more
Access to Information
We work towards improving access to information and collaboration among members. We provide information and resources on matters important to persons who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of communications channels. Visit our Resources section and stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.
COVID-19
Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the WBU developed a variety of initiatives to identify the impact and challenges faced by persons who are blind or partially sighted and to advocate for inclusive responses to the pandemic. Read more
Committees and Working Groups
The WBU has established committees and working groups to assist in achieving objectives identified in our Strategic Plan. Read the full list of committees