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On Wednesday 12^th March 2025, the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Institute for Global Development (IGD) and the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Disability Innovation Institute (DIIU) co-convened a panel discussion on disability inclusion in the Asia Pacific, and �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s engagement in the region.

The event was held at �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s Kensington campus with more than 60 people participating in-person and online.

The discussion was stimulated by Mr. Peter Palg Rumints’ recent mapping of �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s disability inclusion research throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. Rumints is a �ʹڲ�Ʊ postgraduate student and an Australia Awards scholar, with lived experience of disability and more than 10 years of leadership experience in disability advocacy in Papua New Guinea. Drawing on this experience, he offered a unique perspective to the discussion, emphasising the importance of the University’s research aligning with the priorities of people with disability and engaging with partners across the Asia Pacific.

The event also featured pertinent remarks from speakers from across the �ʹڲ�Ʊ community, including:

• Prof. Jackie Leach Scully, Director of the Disability Innovation Institute (DIIU_
• A/Prof. Carlo Caponecchia, Associate Dean (Equity Diversity Inclusion) at �ʹڲ�Ʊ Science
• Prof. Karen Fisher, �ʹڲ�Ʊ Social Policy Research Centre and facilitator of the event’s discussions
• Dr. Giancarlo Giuntoli, �ʹڲ�Ʊ Social Policy Research Centre
• Prof. Anthony Zwi, UNSW Global Health and Development, School of Social Sciences

The event concluded with questions and contributions from the audience. The significance of financial security and community support networks for people living with disabilities was emphasised, as these can be more challenging for disabled peoples to obtain and maintain.

Online audience members remarked on the value of supporting hybrid participation, and the importance of ensuring hybrid technology functions well. Another audience member noted that providing detailed directions to an event location is another frequently overlooked but important aspect of accessibility.

Speakers also reflected on the importance of amplifying disabled people’s voices, recognising their lived experiences, and esteeming their and talents. As one participant noted, “The attitudes and beliefs of other people can be limiting for disabled people,” so it is vital that people with disabilities are given the opportunity to advocate for themselves.

The discussion highlighted the importance of providing  and implementing education and training for disables peoples as one potential avenue to support disability inclusion in the Asia Pacific. As one participant remarked, “Inclusive development will advance disability inclusion… We must reflect on developing relationships and networks in these regions with key groups.” 

Direct financial support was also identified as a key factor in advancing disability inclusion in the region, particularly given that, in contexts of financial constraint, investment in accessible infrastructure may not be prioritised.