Over two days, the WFD 75th Anniversary Conference brought together 450 participants from 63 countries in Rome, Italy, creating a global space to share knowledge, experiences, and leadership; celebrate the 75 years of achievements of the World Federation of the Deaf and reflect on the progress achieved, as well as the work that still lies ahead.
Keynote Presentation
We were honoured to welcome Liisa Kauppinen, WFD Honorary President, as our keynote speaker. A long-standing leader in the global deaf movement, she shared her reflections and experience with participants as we opened this important day.
Sign language recognition
Presenters and panellists shared data, experiences and strategies on advancing and advocating for sign language rights. They explored the importance of legal recognition and implementation, and how this can support deaf people’s access to education, information, participation and human rights.
Mental health
The Conference also highlighted the mental health of deaf people. Experts shared information and perspectives on the challenges faced by deaf communities, and on the importance of approaches that recognise deaf people’s languages, cultures and lived experiences.
History of the World Federation of the Deaf
Presentations and a film reminded participants of key moments in deaf history and of the work carried out by deaf leaders and organisations over the past 75 years.
A special panel brought together Liisa Kauppinen, Markku Jokinen and Dr Joseph J. Murray, three important leaders who have each played a significant role in leading the World Federation of the Deaf over the years. Their conversation offered a unique opportunity to look back at the WFD’s journey, the changes they witnessed and the continued importance of deaf leadership in advancing human rights.
Multilingual education
Experts, researchers and deaf leaders shared experiences and good practices, highlighting the importance of ensuring that deaf children have access to sign language from an early age to support their development, learning and full participation.
Deaf leadership
The Conference also emphasised the importance of deaf leadership and the active participation of deaf people in research. The World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section delivered a powerful presentation on the empowerment of the next generation of deaf leaders. This was followed by a discussion with panelists from different regions of the world, who shared their experiences, perspectives and challenges in leadership.
Sign Languages and Artificial Intelligence
Another key topic of the day was artificial intelligence and its impact on deaf communities and sign languages. Discussions explored both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, while stressing the importance of involving deaf people in the design, development and implementation of innovation. One message resonated throughout the day: innovation must be developed with deaf people, ensuring that linguistic, cultural and human rights remain at the heart of technological progress.
Closing
To close the two-day Conference, WFD President Dr Joseph J. Murray delivered his remarks, “The WFD at 100,” offering an aspiration for the future of the World Federation of the Deaf and deaf communities around the world.
The PowerPoint presentations from the WFD 75th Anniversary Conference are available here.
The Conference strengthened the global deaf movement and reaffirmed our commitment to human rights towards a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.
