What is WeThe15? Campaign representing 1.2 billion disabled people and Prince Harry’s involvement explained

Named WeThe15 - which refers to the percentage of the global population living with disabilities –  the campaign hopes to end discrimination by working towards visibility, inclusion and accessibility.

But what is WeThe15, when does it launch and what did Prince Harry say about it?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is WeThe15?

Spearheaded by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Disability Alliance (IDA), the WeThe15 project has been supported by a host of international organisations, including the European Commission, UN Human Rights, and the Invictus Games Foundation.

Over the next 10 years they will together work with governments, businesses and the public to make change by altering attitudes and creating more opportunities.

The WeThe15 website said: “ WeThe15 plans to initiate change over the next decade by bringing together the biggest coalition ever of international organisations from the world of sport, human rights, policy, communications, business, arts and entertainment.”

The campaign has launched ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics - which begins on 24 August.

A 90-second film promoting the campaign will be played during next week’s Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

More than 125 world landmarks, including the London Eye, Empire State Building and Colosseum in Rome, will also be lit up purple on 19 August - the colour associated with the disability community - to mark the launch of WeThe15.

What did Prince Harry say about WeThe15?

Prince Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said in a statement: “One of the reasons why I was inspired to create the Invictus Games was to help destigmatise physical and invisible injuries and give the men and women who have experienced them a platform to show the world that they and we can accomplish anything, when we put our mind to it.

“Everybody at the Invictus Games Foundation is honoured to join the WeThe15 campaign and believe in its mission to inspire meaningful change in communities around the world.”

IPC president, Andrew Parsons, said: “By uniting several leading international organisations and the world’s 1.2billion persons with disabilities behind one common movement, we will make a tangible and well overdue difference for the planet’s largest marginalised group.

“Sport, and events such as the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, are hugely powerful vehicles to engage global audiences.

“I strongly believe WeThe15 could be a real game-changer for persons with disabilities.”

Richard Whitehead, two-time Paralympic champion who will defend his 200m title in Japan, said: “We need to empower and support every individual and give them the platform for success. It’s not about gold medals, it’s about giving every person a feeling of self-worth.

“Hopefully sport and the WeThe15 campaign will reach out into those areas that haven’t heard about Paralympic sport and possibilities available.”