“People with disabilities must be partners with governments and funders in addressing the world’s challenges. Consult us, hear us, respect us and be guided by us.”

Imed Ouertani is an advocate and expert on the rights of people with disabilities. Since the 2011 Tunisian revolution, he has planned, implemented and evaluated numerous projects that promote disability rights, including the creation of the Tunisian charter of the rights of people with disabilities. He was the first Bridge fellow within the International Alliance for People with Disabilities and Humanity and Inclusion, where he provided training, support and mentoring to several groups, including people with disabilities, in their advocacy efforts in different parts of the world such as Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

He has supported the disability movement in various countries, including Rwanda, Benin, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt and Madagascar through providing education on the rights of people with disabilities, inclusive development and complying with international human rights laws.

He has conducted and supported various research projects, such as a capacity assessment of Lebanese organizations of persons with disabilities on behalf of the Norwegian Organization of Persons with Disabilities; an employment assessment of people with disabilities in Tunisia for the World Bank; and a project to create an inclusive social protection program in Madagascar implemented by UNICEF and Development Pathway.

In 2016, he obtained a master’s degree in international and comparative disability law and policy from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Vision: A more equitable, secure and sustainable world in which the next generation will enjoy all their rights without discrimination, especially for people with disabilities. To achieve this, we must train thousands of future leaders on human rights and inclusion.