INSPIRE FEST 2026, marking Vietnam Persons with Disabilities Day (April 18), aims to contribute to improving the quality of life for more than eight million persons with disabilities nationwide while positioning them at the heart of the country’s inclusive and sustainable development process.

The event is envisioned as a platform to unlock human potential, recognising persons with disabilities not merely as beneficiaries of social support but as active contributors capable of creativity, innovation and meaningful participation in society.

Through this approach, the festival seeks to create a sustainable networking space where humanitarian values are promoted, initiatives for persons with disabilities are nurtured, and effective inclusion models are expanded, contributing to a more comprehensive, equitable and compassionate Vietnam.

At the launching event, the VNYDA shared that the programme aims to foster an open and transparent dialogue platform where government agencies, social organisations, businesses, international partners and media outlets can share perspectives, mobilise resources and jointly build a comprehensive and sustainable support ecosystem for persons with disabilities.

By enhancing multi-dimensional linkages in digital technology, education and training, sustainable employment, creative culture and social knowledge, INSPIRE FEST 2026 is to help remove both visible and invisible barriers, ranging from social perceptions and accessibility conditions to long-term livelihood and career opportunities. In doing so, the programme promotes respect for diversity and advances the principle of leaving no one behind.

Addressing the press conference, VNYDA chairman Pham Van Thanh noted that in recent years, the Party and State had introduced numerous important policies to safeguard the rights and improve the living standards of persons with disabilities.

However, he added, beyond policy frameworks, people with disabilities need open spaces where their voices are heard, opportunities are created and they are recognised as active participants in development.

INSPIRE FEST 2026 is driven by this aspiration and by strong belief in the inner strength and value of every individual, he noted.

Within the framework of the festival, the association also announced the launch of The Inspirer Award, designed to honour families, individuals, organisations and partners who have consistently supported and empowered persons with disabilities, helping them overcome adversity and thrive in education, work and daily life. In addition, a special publication compiling valuable stories and experiences in disability care and support will be released.

At the press conference, the Vietnam Association of Youth with Disabilities signed cooperation agreements with JMB Vietnam and InfoRe Technology to provide 100,000 scholarships for training in the use of artificial intelligence tools via the LuyenAI.vn platform.

Representatives of JMB Vietnam and BigYes, co-organisers of the project, reaffirmed their commitment to accompanying community-oriented initiatives, particularly those supporting vulnerable groups, under the guiding principle of a “Journey of Kindness,” through long-term efforts to create positive, safe and value-driven community experiences.

Agreement inked to empower people with disabilities through digital skill training

An agreement to set up a comprehensive cooperation programme aimed at providing digital skill training, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable job opportunities for people with disabilities in the digital economy was signed at a ceremony in Hanoi on July 10.