Permanent Representative to the UN, H.E. Antonio M. Lagdameo delivered the opening remarks at the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) Forum: Advocates Call for Action 04 April 2024.
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 04 April 2024 — The Philippine Mission to the United Nations, in collaboration with Autism Hearts Foundation, the Permanent Missions of Bangladesh, Ghana, Malaysia, Qatar, and Zambia, and organizations Autism Speaks, Center for All Abilities, Fundacion Autismo Aruba, and Klicks Africa Foundation, co-organized the World Autism Awareness Day 2024 Forum: Advocates Call for Action. The forum was followed by an Art Exhibit and Fashion Presentation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, welcomed young self-advocates from Aruba and the Philippines, who travelled to UN Headquarters to express their views and perspectives and raise awareness on autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
"They came to represent not only themselves but all other children and young people with autism spectrum disorder whose rights need to be fully realized and whose talents and abilities can contribute to our achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," Ambassador Lagdameo said.
Ambassador Lagdameo called on Member States, UN organizations, local governments, civil society, the academia, and scientific community to take concrete steps to ensure that persons with autism realize their rights and achieve their fullest potential.
"Every observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 should celebrate the triumphs of persons with autism, their families, and communities, while raising awareness of their rights and needs. Many persons with autism, especially children, face barriers in accessing healthcare, resulting in delayed interventions and poorer outcomes," Ambassador Lagdameo added. The forum can be viewed here: http://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1y/k1y1f9kbmu.
Ambassador Lagdameo also welcomed guests to a vibrant Art Exhibition and Fashion Presentation featuring the works of talented young individuals with autism. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Lagdameo emphasized the transformative power of art as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
"The artists participating in this exhibit are extraordinary young people who transcended limitations caused by autism spectrum disorder to share their talents with the world," Ambassador Lagdameo said. "For them, art became a form of communication, a way to connect with others, and a source of joy."
The event is held in observance of the World Autism Awareness Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly to be every 2nd of April, to promote the rights and well-being of individuals with autism. The art exhibition underscores the importance of promoting social inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals with autism to thrive and express themselves creatively. END.
Ambassador Lagdameo at the opening ceremony of the World Autism Awareness Day Art Exhibition and Static Fashion Presenn, 04 April 2024, UNHQ.
H.E. Antonio M. Lagdameo and H.E. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, lead the ribbon cutting at the opening of the World Autism Awareness Day Art Exhibition and Static Fashion Presentation on April 4, 2024, at UNHQ; Young artists showcase their masterpieces.