The Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative is holding the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease from July 4 to 6, 2025 in Bali, Indonesia. This Forum takes place just ahead of the 22nd International Leprosy Congress (ILC), also being held in Bali. This provides a unique opportunity for participants to amplify their voices on the global stage of the ILC. Representatives of organizations of persons affected by Hansen’s disease are also expected to speak at the ILC, sharing insights and advocating for change.
The forum brings together persons affected by Hansen’s disease, their representative organizations, and key partners from across the world to discuss shared challenges, exchange experiences, and shape future directions for the movement.
Informed by a global consultation with over 100 respondents from 34 countries, followed by a series of regional online consultations, the Forum will focus on the right to health, human rights, and the ongoing fight against stigma and discrimination—while emphasizing inclusive, people-led approaches and the importance of follow-up action.
This webpage will serve as an information hub for participants and stakeholders. Updates on the the agenda and speaker announcements will be shared in the lead-up to the event, while key outcomes and follow-up materials will be published after the Forum concludes.
Forum Information
Date: July 4 to 6, 2025
Place: Bali, Indonesia
Goal of the Forum
The goal of the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations is to strengthen the voice, capacity, and collaboration of organizations led by persons affected by Hansen’s disease, while promoting accountability and long-term impact through concrete, actionable outcomes.
The Forum aims to produce three key outputs:
- Letter of Commitment – A declaration of realistic and context-specific commitments made by participating organizations of persons affected by Hansen’s disease. These may be individual or collective actions, and will include a clear mechanism for follow-up and mutual accountability.
- Letter with Recommendations to Stakeholders – A concise, targeted set of recommendations addressed to specific stakeholders (such as governments, international bodies, donors, and NGOs), with clear responsibilities, benchmarks, and timelines to ensure progress and facilitate follow-up.
- Action Plan for Capacity-Building – A practical roadmap based on identified needs, aimed at strengthening the capacity, development, and empowerment of organizations of persons affected by Hansen’s disease, enabling them to play a stronger role in advocacy, service delivery, and policy influence.
Through these outputs, the Forum seeks to lay the foundation for sustained, coordinated efforts toward dignity, inclusion, and the realization of the rights of all persons affected by Hansen’s disease.
