Ever since the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007, the United Nations has observed the day as a means to affirm and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others. Progress has been made, not least thanks to the many amazing autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experience of autistic people to the wider world.

The General Assembly resolution from 2007 (A/RES/62/139) emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of autism. Today, 17 years later, we have moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society.

The 2024 World Autism Awareness Day Observance

The 2024 observance will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs in this regard from the perspective of autistic people themselves. Like last year, the event will feature an all-autistic lineup of panelists from all walks of life, representing six regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania. The speakers will provide their thoughts on the state of affairs in their respective regions, as well as the importance of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for autistic people to be able to thrive.

The event is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, in close collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION). ION is a neurominority-founded and led, volunteer-run inclusive global membership organization headquartered in Switzerland. With a presence currently in 23 countries globally, it is the world’s largest, most globally represented, and diverse neurodiversity initiative. Its purpose is to represent and empower neurominorities, fostering acceptance, appreciation, education, and advocating for equal opportunities and human rights. The event is co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Poland to the United Nations, with support provided by the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN).

Event speakers' bios