Many people are unaware of the realities of disabilities—not out of unwillingness, but simply due to a lack of exposure to these realities. This is true for the United Nations system as well. However, I found a genuine eagerness to learn and embrace new ideas in colleagues. This made me reflect on how change must begin within institutions before it can extend outward. At the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), where I currently serve, progress starts with diversity. I brought elements of my activism into the organization, ensuring that inclusion is not just a policy but a lived experience for everyone around.
Under UNICEF’s Adolescent Participation, Skills, and Employability Section, I oversee disability inclusion efforts such as staff awareness programmes and accessibility audits on reporting. I use simple and practical techniques such as pair walk events to highlight accessibility challenges and the need for more inclusive spaces under UNICEF's Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy.
My goal is to have everyone recognize disability as if it's their business. Whether in education, communications, or other sectors, I want people to approach their work through the lens of disability inclusion. Real change takes place when awareness isn’t confined to those working directly on disability programmes—it must be embedded into everyone’s work, regardless of their role.
One of my key successes has been bringing disability inclusion into staff briefings and inductions. Previously, these sessions lacked any procedures for persons with disabilities. Now, we have a briefing to make sure new staff understand how to make themselves more aware of persons with disabilities. I also arrange youth panel discussions with South Asian speakers where we have young people voice their expectations of UNICEF.
The most rewarding aspects of working are being included in projects beyond disability inclusion. Whenever possible, I take on roles such as moderating panel discussions or town hall meetings. I seek out opportunities because I believe inclusion isn’t just about awareness—it’s about visibility. We need to be seen.
Volunteerism has always been central to my life, even before I joined UNICEF. Recognizing the widespread misconceptions about disabilities in Nepal, my family and I co-founded a volunteer organization to look at these issues closely. Our goal was to have more young people on board who could prove that persons with disabilities can also shape our nation. We produced a radio show, Dristikon (perception), to reach people in rural communities. The 2015 earthquake in Nepal brought everyone together. Everyone volunteered; this is what tied us into one.
How did I learn about UNICEF? Well, it was through a TV series on child marriage. My connection to children, especially those affected by the earthquake, motivated me to apply for a UN Volunteer assignment. Supporting these children brought me joy.
At UNICEF, I have felt valued in my work, and I see that my efforts have not been in vain. It has led to more awareness about persons with disabilities. No matter where my journey takes me, inclusion will always be at the core of my work. In just six months, I have more insights into how the system works, but there is still so much to learn. I hope to stay for another year before ultimately returning to my community to serve the people.
Both grassroots organizations and large institutions are important—small, local efforts affect communities, while large institutions influence policies and lobby governments on a broader scale.
My name is Sushil, I feel my being here changes perceptions about persons with disabilities. Because I know that an inclusive world starts with me, with you, and with all of us.
