In a significant development, Mme Haidi Zhang has officially stepped down from her role as President of the Rehabilitation Internaitonal (RI) after 8 years of dedicated service. The mantle of leadership of RI has now been passed to Prof. Dr.med Christoph Gutenbrunner, FRCP, SFEBPRM on 22 September 2024 in the General Assembly of RI in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Madame Haidi Zhang served as a visionary leader during their tenure, overseeing establishment of the Global Disability Development Fund (GDDF) that enabled RI to support most important projects

Prof. Dr.med Christoph Gutenbrunner, FRCP, SFEBPRM will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having previously served as leader in different organization in the field of disability and rehabilitation, including as the director of Rehabilitation Medicine at Hannover Medical School, Germany; the President of the Global Rehabilitation Alliance; and the President of German Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine among many others.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Dr.med Christoph Gutenbrunner, FRCP, SFEBPRM stated that since the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006, significant progress has been made, with 191 countries ratifying it. However, challenges remain, such as gaps in education, employment, and access to healthcare for persons with disabilities, which exist in both high- and low-income countries. Full implementation requires addressing societal mindsets, enhancing rehabilitation and inclusion efforts, and working at the national and community levels to bring about real change.

We hope the best for RI!