The start of the Summit on Disability in Latin America and the Caribbean marks a decisive moment in our path towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. Starting on December 9, we are entering the implementation phase, a dynamic process in which the ideas, commitments and strategies proposed begin to be translated into concrete and sustainable actions. This Regional Summit is historic; we are bringing together in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, more than 15 countries with different realities but all convened for the benefit of People with Disabilities.

This stage not only represents the deployment of coordinated efforts, but also a collective commitment to the real and tangible transformation of work, educational, social and technological environments to guarantee the rights and full participation of people with disabilities.

Implementation is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a cycle of continuous learning. As we move forward, evaluate and adjust, we seek to consolidate alliances, promote innovations and reinforce a system that prioritizes equity and sustainability.

The main objective of this Summit is that both organizations of people with disabilities and government representatives are motivated and committed to change. As a result, we will present a document containing the main demands that we have identified as a movement of people with disabilities: inequalities in access to employment, inclusive responses to risk situations and disasters, social protection mechanisms that promote a better quality of life, and also the educational context.

This effort will only be successful if it is nourished by the active collaboration of governments, civil society, the private sector and people with disabilities themselves, who are and must be the center of all change. The path we are beginning today is proof that change is possible when it is articulated with vision, commitment and action.

Welcome to this new stage of collective transformation.