The Solfagnano Charter “Nothing about us, without us” inaugurated at Carleton University in Ottawa

OTTAWA, SEPT 29 - The traveling exhibition Inclusion and Disability: The Solfagnano Charter “Nothing about us, without us”, inspired by the final document of the first-ever G7 Inclusion and Disability held in 2024 and spearheaded by the Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli, has been inaugurated at Carleton University in Ottawa.

Since the beginning of the year, the project has been traveling to all G7 countries with the aim of illustrating the priorities signed by the G7 nations during the world's first meeting dedicated to Inclusion and Disability, held under the Italian Presidency. The exhibition consists of nine panels that describe the key aspects of the Solfagnano Charter through comics created by young graphic artists.

The texts are simplified and easy to read, and the exhibit is also accessible to visually impaired individuals via QR codes.

“After Geneva, London, Paris, Berlin, and New York,” explains Locatelli, “the exhibition arrives in Ottawa with the goal of raising awareness among everyone on the topics of inclusion and the empowerment of every Person, starting from the principles and the eight priorities of the Solfagnano Charter. I would like to thank the Minister of Labour and Seniors, Patty Hajdu, for choosing to share and support this initiative, which serves as a concrete sign of the ongoing collaboration and policy development undertaken by our countries, increasingly aligned with the document. Through this exhibition, we continue to promote the new perspective that we are also advancing through the disability reform in Italy, allowing us to recognize the abilities, talents, and potential in every person without stopping at limitations. Together, we can and must build increasingly cohesive communities and make our countries stronger, leaving no one behind.”

On the sidelines of the inauguration, the round table “Canada – Italy High-Level Discussion on Fostering Disability Inclusion and Rights” took place. Minister Locatelli then held a bilateral meeting with Minister Hajdu. “A very important meeting to strengthen collaboration between Italy and Canada on the issues of disability, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the full participation of everyone in the civil, social, and political life of our countries,” explained Locatelli. “Together, we decided to undertake an exchange and collaboration project focused on workplace inclusion and the non-profit sector, youth with disabilities and future prospects, as well as new technologies and artificial intelligence. In this way, we continue the journey started together at the 2024 G7 Inclusion and Disability.”

Finally, Minister Locatelli participated in a discussion with researchers specializing in disability issues and met with representatives of the Italian community in Ottawa.