Women-Led I Regionally-Rooted I Globally-Aligned
Women-Led I Regionally-Rooted I Globally-Aligned
Who We Are
The Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility is dedicated to advancing accessibility across the Asian and Pacific region. The Network is led by women and composed of a cross-disability group of individuals, supported by allies, who share the vision of the Jakarta Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2023-2032 (Jakarta Declaration) and a commitment to promote its implementation collectively.
Born from the vision of the Jakarta Declaration, APNA seeks to remove barriers—both physical and digital—that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in education, employment, public life, and social engagement. Our work is guided by the belief that true inclusion can only be achieved when everyone, regardless of gender, disability, or location, has equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Thinking globally, acting locally, strengthening regionally
Leave No One Behind
The Jakarta Declaration
Make the Right Real
APNA Focus
APNA Outreach
The shaded areas of the map indicate ESCAP members and associate members.*
Source of the map: ESCAP
APNA Advisors
Ms. San Yuenwah
First woman Secretary to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)-cum- Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General/Executive Secretary of ESCAP. A key contributor to the Incheon Strategy to "Make the Right Real" for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.
Dr. Anju Pandey
Regional Advisor, WHO's Regional Office for South-East Asia. A feminist, humanist, and a gender specialist
Dr. Huma Masood
Senior Gender Specialist, UNESCO Multi-Regional Office for South Asia. Expert: Conventions specific to vulnerable groups, disaster risk management
Ms. Stuti Kacker
Former Secretary, Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. Launched Accessible India Campaign, 2015
Dr. Geetam Tiwari
Emeritus Professor, Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Ms. Aloka Guha
Founder-Chairperson the National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India
APNA Advisors
Ms. San Yuenwah
Served as a permanent staff member of the United Nations secretariat. Was the first woman Secretary to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)-cum-Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General/Executive Secretary of ESCAP. A key ESCAP team contributor to the Incheon Strategy to "Make the Right Real" for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, the world’s first set of regionally-agreed disability-inclusive development goals.
Ms. Stuti Kacker
Former Secretary, Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. Launched Accessible India Campaign, 2015
Dr. Pam Rajput
A distinguished scholar and advocate with over two decades of experience in gender and development, gender budgeting, and inclusive public policy. She is an accomplished researcher, educator, and global speaker with engagements across 80+ countries
Dr. Huma Masood
Senior Gender Specialist, UNESCO Multi-Regional Office for South Asia. Expert: Conventions specific to vulnerable groups, disaster risk management
Dr. Anju Pandey
Regional Advisor, WHO's Regional Office for South-East Asia. A feminist, humanist, and a gender specialist
Dr. Geetam Tiwari
Emeritus Professor, Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Ms. Aloka Guha
Founder-Chairperson the National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India
The Visible Impact
Testimonials
Priority Areas
It calls for concrete actions to remove barriers and create truly inclusive twenty-first century societies. This includes:
- Enhancing disability-inclusive physical and digital accessibility based on universal design;
- Advancing universal design-based accessibility across domains such as the infrastructure environment, knowledge, information and communication technology, public transportation, as well as all other public services and facilities;
- Promoting better understanding of the practical implications of universal design and reasonable accommodation at all levels and across all sectors.
APNA Collaborators
The Nippon Foundation
Humanity & Inclusion
Asia-Pacific Development Center for Disability
Restless Development
