Tag Archives: World Autism Awareness Day

Commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day 2016: Seminar and Cultural Performance

An autistic student is seen taking part in dance

Dhaka, Saturday, 2 April 2016: In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, UNIC Dhaka jointly with Ananda Niketon European School (ANES) organized a Seminar and Cultural event at school meeting room on 2 April 2016. The key-note paper was presented by autistic expert and psychologist Ms Narsis Rahman while Chairperson of ANES Dr Mahmudul Hasan delivered introductory speech. They focused on various issues of autism disorders and have put emphasis on awareness programme. In his speech, M. Moniruzzaman, UNIC Officer-in-Charge urged the policy makers, voluntary organizations and business community to come forward to the process of mainstreaming autistic people. Ms Momtaz Begum of UNIC read-out UN Secretary-General Message on the Day while Ms Romela Murshed, Coordinator of ANES delivered vote of thanks. The autistic children of ANES inclusive school took part in dance and musical show. Students, parents, teachers and guests took part in the event.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2016

Participants at the UN General Assembly special event on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day: ‘Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity.’ UN Photo/Rick BajornasThe international community is now embarking on the challenge of realizing the ambitious and universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The equal participation and active involvement of persons with autism will be essential for achieving the inclusive societies envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects millions of people worldwide.  It is not well-understood in many countries, and too many societies shun people with autism.

This is a violation of human rights and a waste of human potential. I have seen the dynamism and commitment of persons with autism. Earlier this year, I was honoured to engage in a dialogue with one such young man at United Nations Headquarters in New York. I was especially impressed by his innovative approach to the issue of how we can reach the SDGs. Continue reading

World Autism Awareness Day 2014: Seminar, arts/crafts exhibition and cultural function


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01Dhaka, 7 April 2014: In observance of World Autism Awareness Day, UNIC Dhaka and Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (BPF) jointly organized a seminar, arts/crafts exhibition and cultural function at BPF premises in Dhaka. UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman spoke on the occasion as chief guest while Executive Director of BPF Dr. Shamim Ferdous presided over. A video on ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ was screened before the audience. Bangla translated version of UNSG’s Message on the Day was read-out and distributed among the audience. A cultural function was performed by the autistic children of BPF autistic school. At the beginning, an art/craft exhibition was opened by UNIC OIC. Around 300 autistic children and their parents were present in the programme.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2014

autismdayThis year’s World Autism Awareness Day is a chance to celebrate the creative minds of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and to renew our pledge to help them realize their great potential.

I treasure my meetings with individuals affected by autism – parents, children, teachers and friends. Their strength is inspiring. They deserve all possible opportunities for education, employment and integration.

To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.

Education and employment are key. Schools connect children to their communities. Jobs connect adults to their societies. Persons with autism deserve to walk the same path. By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society. Continue reading