About us
The International Movement of Youth with Disabilities (IMYD) was founded on June 1, 2024, in Paris, France.
At our first General Assembly, young leaders from over 20 countries and four continents came together to create a global movement led by and for youth with disabilities.
IMYD was born from a shared belief: we, as young people with disabilities, have the power to shape our futures, advocate for our rights, and create a more inclusive world.
Our Philosophy
We are guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The CRPD reminds the world that organizations representing persons with disabilities must be led by those they represent.
We believe that young people with disabilities must take the lead in decisions that affect us. Our movement ensures that our voices are not only heard but drive meaningful change on a global scale.
Our Values
IMYD adheres to the values enshrined in international frameworks, including :
- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948.
These frameworks affirm the dignity, equality, and rights of all individuals, including youth with disabilities.
We are also co-creating a charter of values with our members. This process ensures our values reflect the diversity, principles, and shared vision of youth with disabilities from around the world.
Governance
IMYD is a global movement created by us, youth with disabilities, and led by us at every level.
The Board of Directors has 13 to 16 members to make sure youth with disabilities from all regions of the world are represented.
It is made up of:
- 3 to 6 members elected by the General Assembly, who take on key roles, including:
- President
- General Secretary
- Treasurer
- 10 members elected by the regional groups. Each United Nations regional group elects a gender-balanced pair of representatives from different reference countries to ensure diversity and fairness.
The regional groups are:
- African Group
- Asia-Pacific Group
- Eastern European Group
- Latin American and Caribbean Group
- Western European and Others Group
The first Board of Directors will be elected during the General Assembly in May/June 2025.
Until the election, IMYD is supported by four provisional administrators.
Their role is temporary. They manage our daily operations and help prepare for the democratic election of the Board.