WBU's Global Voice Podcast

In this episode of Voices In Leadership , Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, speaks with Tytti Matsinen , Regional President of the European Blind Union, based in Finland. Tytti shares her journey into advocacy, including how her background in social ethics, international development, and human rights has shaped her approach to leadership. She reflects on her work across Europe and the ev...

In this episode of Voices in Leadership , we speak with Nantanoot “Apple” Suwannawut , Regional President for the World Blind Union Asia-Pacific region, based in Thailand. Apple shares her journey into the movement, including how her academic background in information science and accessibility as well as early mentorship from leaders in Thailand helped shape her path into international advocacy. S...

In this special episode of the WBU Global Voice Podcast , we take a short break from the usual format of our Voices In Leadership series to mark International Women’s Day and celebrate the leadership, achievements, and contributions of blind and partially sighted women across our global movement. The episode brings together excerpts from two previously published interviews with women leaders of th...

In this episode of Voices in Leadership , Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, speaks with Martine Abel-Williamson , WBU’s Immediate Past President. Martine has served WBU in leadership for many years, including as Treasurer and as President during a period shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Martine reflects on her path into the WBU, how she has seen the organization evolve over time, and wha...

In this episode of Voices in Leadership , Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, speaks with Moisés Bauer , Secretary General of the World Blind Union. Moisés reflects on his journey into advocacy and how his background in law has shaped his approach to advancing the rights of blind and partially sighted people. He shares insights on the current situation in Brazil and across the Latin Americ...

In this episode of Voices in Leadership , Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, speaks with Gladys Díaz , Regional President of the Latin American Union of the Blind . Gladys joins the conversation from Honduras, with the support of an interpreter. Gladys reflects on her personal journey into advocacy and leadership, and shares her perspective on the priorities, challenges, and opportunities...

In this episode of Voices in Leadership , Marc Workman speaks with Cristina Chamorro Muñoz , First Vice President of the World Blind Union and a senior leader within the Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE). Cristina reflects on her personal journey into advocacy and ONCE’s long-standing commitment to international engagement. The conversation explores why global cooperation is essent...

In this episode of Voices in Leadership , Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, is joined by Yaw Ofori-Debra , Second Vice President of the World Blind Union and a long-time advocate from Ghana. Yaw reflects on his journey into advocacy, from student organizing to national, regional, and global leadership within the blind movement. The conversation explores the importance of inclusive sports...

In Episode 2 of Voices in Leadership , Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, is joined by Mark Riccobono , President of the National Federation of the Blind and Regional President for North America and the Caribbean within the WBU. Their conversation explores the long and deep connection between the National Federation of the Blind and the World Blind Union, including the historical roots th...

welcome to the first episode of our new series, Voices In Leadership . This series spotlights the leaders shaping the future of our movement – how they think, what drives their decisions, and where they see the greatest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people worldwide. This episode is a conversation with WBU President S.K. Rungta about strengthening member participation, modernizing...

We’re excited to introduce a new series: “Voices in Leadership.” In this series, we sit down with the elected leaders of the World Blind Union for direct, candid conversations. You’ll hear their personal stories, the priorities guiding their work over the next four years, and their vision for strengthening our global movement. The goal is simple: to bring WBU’s leadership closer to its membership...

In this final episode of On the Road to Sao Paulo, we take you inside Plenary Session 3: “The Future of the Global Blindness Movement” , recorded live at the World Blindness Summit & WBU General Assembly. Chaired by Martine Abel-Williamson , the session brings together four global leaders— Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame , Ana Peláez Narváez , Rosario Galarza , and Hans Jørgen Wiberg to explore the k...

In Episode 3 of On the Road to Sao Paulo, Marc Workman speaks with Diane Bergeron, Treasure of WBU and Chair of the WBU Women’s Committee. They discuss the program of the upcoming World Blindness Summit, with a particular focus on the Women’s Forum being held just before the start of the summit. Listen to learn all about the purpose, structure, and goals of this important part of the gathering in...

In Episode 8 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, our final episode of the series, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin move on to Commitment 7 of Accessibility Go, dealing with inclusive employment. Listen to the episode to learn how you can use this commitment to improve inclusive employment practices. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Accessibility Go in various languages and formats https:...

In Episode 2 of On the Road to Sao Paulo, Marc Workman speaks with Sarah Barreto Marques Ribeiro, Director of Finance and Administration with ONCB, the host organization of the upcoming World Blindness Summit and WBU General Assembly. They talk about what life is like for blind and partially sighted Brazilians, what ONCB is hoping to share with the global blind movement, what those attending the s...

In Episode 7 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin move on to Commitment 6 of Accessibility Go, dealing with accessible meetings and events. Listen to the episode to learn how to make online and in person meetings and events accessible to all persons with disabilities. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Accessibility Go in various languages and formats https:...

In Episode 6 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin move on to Commitment 5 of Accessibility Go, dealing with inclusive programming and services. Stay tuned to learn how to make programs and services accessibility and inclusive from design right through to monitoring and evaluation. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Accessibility Go in various languages and f...

In Episode 1 of On the Road to Sao Paulo, Marc Workman has a conversation with Martine Abel Williamson. They talk about what the World Blindness Summit and WBU General Assembly Is for those who may not be aware, Why this event matters to our community, And Some favorite memories from past general assemblies. For GA related questions, contact GA2025@wbu.ngo , or visit our website at https://worldbl...

On the Road to São Paulo is the World Blind Union’s newest podcast series, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming World Blindness Summit and WBU General Assembly. From interviews and personal reflections to event previews and presenter spotlights, this series will get you ready for São Paulo. New episodes drop monthly—plus a few surprises along the way. Learn more about the event he...

In Episode 5 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin move on to Commitment 4 of Accessibility Go, dealing with capacity, knowledge, and learning. Organizations that aim to be inclusive must embed a commitment to inclusivity into their culture, and this episode unpacks what such a commitment looks like in practical terms. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Acces...

In Episode 4 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin move on to Commitment 3 of Accessibility Go, dealing with the important but often not well understood matter of procurement. The procurement process is an incredibly powerful tool that can be used to improve accessibility over time. Learn how you can make use of this useful tool. Visit the World Blind Union website to a...

In Episode 3 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin move on to Commitment 2 of Accessibility Go, which deals with all aspects of making communications more accessible. Learn all about the steps organizations can take to improve the accessibility of the way they communicate. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Accessibility Go in various languages and formats ht...

In Episode 2 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin turn to Commitment 1 of Accessibility Go, addressing physical accessibility in the workplace. Learn all about the steps organizations can take to make their spaces more accessible and welcoming. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Accessibility Go in various languages and formats https://worldblindunion.org/pr...

In Episode 1 of Unpacking Accessibility Go!, hosts Hannes, Kathy, and Benjamin introduce this helpful resource jointly developed by World Blind Union and CBM Global. Learn what Accessibility Go is, how it’s structured, and how you can use it to advance your local advocacy efforts. Visit the World Blind Union website to access Accessibility Go in various languages and formats https://worldblindunio...

Get ready for Global Voice - Unpacking Accessibility Go ! In this special preview episode, we give you a sneak peek at our podcast's first mini series , Unpacking Accessibility Go!, where we dive into the Accessibility Go! Guide to Action and it's 7 commitments to accessibility. Tune in and get ready to go!