World Blind Union
WBU is the global organisation representing 285 million blind and partially sighted people through its member organisations in 190 countries. WBU advocates at the UN and with international bodies on issues including Braille literacy, accessible publishing, and the Marrakesh Treaty.
About the World Blind Union
The World Blind Union was formed in 1984 from the merger of two earlier international organisations of blind people. It is recognised by the UN as the representative body for blind and partially sighted people worldwide. WBU is a member of the International Disability Alliance.
WBU's structure consists of six regional unions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, and North America and Caribbean) and national member organisations in 190 countries.
What they do
WBU works on access to information, Braille literacy, eye health, economic participation, and the rights of blind women and girls.
Marrakesh Treaty: WBU was a key advocate for the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled (2013), which creates copyright exceptions to allow the production of accessible format materials (Braille, audio, large print) and cross-border sharing of these materials. The Marrakesh Treaty has significantly expanded the availability of accessible books globally — the "book famine" (estimated that only 7% of published books were available in accessible formats before the Treaty) was a major motivation.
Technology access: WBU advocates for accessible digital content, accessible ATMs and self-service kiosks, and accessible telecommunications globally.
Braille literacy: WBU promotes Braille as a foundational literacy tool, pushing back against the decline in Braille instruction.
Key programs and resources
- Marrakesh Treaty advocacy and implementation support
- Accessible Books Consortium (with WIPO)
- Eye Health advocacy — connection between preventable blindness and access to eye care in low-income countries
- Regional assemblies and the General Assembly — governance structures
Who they serve
Blind and partially sighted people worldwide, through member organisations. WBU focuses particularly on global policy and standards that affect all blind people regardless of country.
Why it matters
The Marrakesh Treaty alone represents a transformative achievement — making it possible for accessible format books to be shared across borders and for the global accessible library to grow. WBU's international advocacy ensures that global standards — in publishing, technology, and human rights — account for the needs of blind people.