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Fernando Botelho is the assistive technology programme specialist at UNICEF’s Programme Group Leadership Team in New York. Botelho works to improve international cooperation and strengthen national systems to increase access to assistive technology. Prior to his work at UNICEF, he founded F123 Consulting, a social enterprise dedicated to designing, developing, and distributing open-source assistive technology for the blind or visually impaired.

Fernando’s experience includes managing the Visionaris Award, a partnership between Ashoka and UBS AG, in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Before his work for UBS Philanthropy Services in Zurich, Fernando worked for the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO, an agency of the United Nations in Geneva. At ITC, Fernando led the development of the first methodology for integrating professionals with disabilities in the services export sector. Before joining the ITC, he was the director of technology at a New York NGO. He led the development of eSight Careers Network, a groundbreaking online community for the professional advancement of people with disabilities.

Botelho holds degrees from Georgetown University and Cornell University and has over thirty years of first-hand experience with blindness.

Botelho was an event speaker at the Dialogue.