The WFD 75th Anniversary Conference has begun!
Today, deaf leaders, organisations and community members from around the world came together in Rome, Italy, to celebrate 75 years of the World Federation of the Deaf and to reflect on the progress made as well as the work that still lies ahead.
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.
We then began with something fundamental: 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.
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.
The afternoon then turned to the 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.
We closed the day with a special panel bringing 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.
The first day of the WFD 75th Anniversary Conference brought together history, knowledge and lived experiences while keeping our focus firmly on the future.
75 years of deaf leadership. And the work continues.
