On 29 January 2026, Brussels—the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union—will host the launch of the Global Appeal 2026 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy. Issued annually on or near World Leprosy Day, the Global Appeal is supported by individuals and organizations with a global reach who help to deliver its message far and wide.
Global Appeal 2026 will be co-hosted by Education International and the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative, in partnership with the Damien Foundation. Focusing on the transformative power of education, this year’s Appeal highlights the vital role educators play in dispelling myths, reducing prejudice, and promoting inclusion.
The launch event will bring together persons affected by leprosy, educators, policymakers, health professionals, and civil society organizations to reaffirm a shared commitment to dignity, inclusion, and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Please register using the link below to participate online. Interpretation will be available in the following languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Dutch.
Date: January 29, 2026
Time: 13:30-18:30 (Local time), 12:30-17:30 (UTC)
Place: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers: Education International and Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative in partnership with the Damien Foundation
Global Appeal Launch Ceremony
MC: Dr. David Edwards, General Secretary, Education International
– Global Appeal 2026 Opening movie
– Video messages from Dr. Beatriz Miranda, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members
– Video messages from Ms. Stefania Giannini, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Assistant Director-General for Education
– Remarks by Ms. Maguette Ndiaye, Representative of persons affected by leprosy, Chair of Oversight Committee, The 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease
– Remarks by Ms. Pascale Barnich, General Manager, Damien Foundation
– Remarks by Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, President, Education International
– Remarks by Mr. Takashi Kajiwara, Vice President, Education International, JTU/Japan
– Remarks by Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination
– Reading of message by Her Majesty Queen Mathilde by Dr. Jean-Pierre Baron Schenkelaars
Special Seminar 1 : Perspectives from the field
Facilitator: Dr. Nanri Takahiro, President, Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative
Update on global leprosy situation
Speakers:
・Dr. Venkata Ranganadha Rao Pemmaraju, Program Advisor for Medical Issues, Sasakawa Health Foundation, Former Acting Team Leader of WHO’s Global Leprosy Programme (Online)
・Dr. Alice Cruz, Program Advisor for Human Rights Issues, Sasakawa Health Foundation, Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members (Online)
A dialogue with union leaders and persons affected by leprosy
Speakers:
Teacher union leaders from Leprosy endemic countries:
・Mr. King Ali Awudu, President, PRETAG, Ghana
・Mr. Kamala Kanta Tripathy, General Secretary, AIPTF, India
・Ms. Unifah Rosyidi, President, PGRI, Indonesia
Representative persons affected by leprosy:
・Mr. Jackson Jonathan Nyarko, Ghana (online)
・Ms. Bimla Kujur, India
・Ms. Kasmawati, Indonesia
Special Seminar 2 : Unlocking Education’s Power to End Leprosy-Related Stigma and Discrimination
Facilitator: Dr. David Edwards, General Secretary, Education International
A multi-stakeholder dialogue facilitated by Education International
Speakers:
・Mr. Christopher Castle, Director, UNESCO Division for Peace and Sustainable Development
・Ms. Pascale Barnich, General Manager, Damien Foundation
・Mr. Tom Vandenbosch, Global Director of Programmes, VVOB
・Dr. Paula Soares Brandão, Representative of persons affected by leprosy, Brazil
Final Remarks by Dr. Nanri Takahiro, President, Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative
