Appeal to the world “to work side by side with people with disabilities to design and offer solutions based on equal rights in every country and community”, addresses the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the occasion of Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires keeping the promise to leave no one behind, especially the 1.3 billion people with disabilities around the world,” says Antonio Guterres.

He notes that today, halfway through Agenda 2030, people with disabilities still face systemic discrimination and obstacles that limit their meaningful inclusion in all sectors of society. “Truly sustainable development for persons with disabilities requires a precise focus on their needs and rights, not only as beneficiaries but also as active contributors to social, economic and political life. This means ensuring that people with disabilities are at every decision-making table, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in all countries’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals — from poverty eradication to health, education and climate action” he emphasizes.

Finally, he emphasizes that the United Nations leads by example through our Disability Inclusion Strategy and by supporting Member States in promoting progress for and with people with disabilities.