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Global Leaders Challenge

Our mission, our values, our people

Join the Global Leaders Challenge

Established in 2022 by the World Federation of the Deaf, the Global Leaders Challenge is a dynamic advocacy initiative dedicated to promoting the recognition and use of national sign languages worldwide. Launched during the International Day of Sign Languages, this annual event inspires global leaders—Prime Ministers, Presidents, parliamentarians, local officials, and others— to show their support for deaf communities by signing a key message in their national sign language.

Since its inception, this Challenge has become a critical platform for raising awareness about the importance of sign language rights. It has strengthened partnerships between national associations of deaf people and their governments while emphasising the essential role of sign languages in achieving full inclusion and equality for deaf communities. 

This initiative celebrates national sign languages as indispensable elements of cultural and linguistic diversity. It also empowers national associations of deaf people to build and sustain meaningful collaborations with their leaders, driving impactful advocacy and long-lasting progress.

“No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”

In 2025, WFD calls on global leaders - Prime Ministers, Presidents, parliamentarians, local officials, and others - to take action by signing the powerful message on 23 September:

Join us in 2025 to champion this critical message. Together, we can build a World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!

A person wearing a black blazer stands, gesturing with one hand. They are indoors, with a decorative mirror and a flag visible in the background.
Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (United Nations)
A group of seven people standing and clapping in a room with wooden walls, with a Namibian flag visible in the background.
Hon. Doreen Sioka, Ministry of Gender Equality and Social Welfare (Namibia)
A man in a suit stands in front of a Ukrainian flag, gesturing, with a blue and yellow emblem on the upper right.
Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister (Ukraine)
Person sitting at a desk in an office with a national flag and religious image in the background, gesturing with hands. Shelves filled with books and office supplies are visible.
Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr Sa’ilele Maliel, Prime Minister (Samoa)
A woman in a black blazer signs in front of a gray background, next to the Palestinian flag and logos for the International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages.
Dr Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development (Palestine)
A man in traditional attire sits in front of a Nepal flag and mountain mural, gesturing with his hands. A Buddha statue is on the table. Caption: “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere.”.
Ganesh Prasad Timalsina, Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly (Nepal)
A man in a gray blazer and patterned shirt uses sign language, with an East African Community logo in the background and subtitles promoting sign language use.
Clément MUSANGABATWARE, Member of East African Legislative Assembly (Tanzania)
A man stands in front of a Bolivian flag, wearing a vest with official badges, using sign language with a smile.
Pedro Francisco Callisaya Aro, Ombudsman (Bolivia)
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