International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025; December 3rd.

FORUM: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025. Across all regions, persons with disabilities and their households face challenges and barriers in the attainment of social development objectives:

• They are more likely to live in poverty;
• They continue to face discrimination in employment, receiving lower wages and being overrepresented in the informal sector;
• Social protection systems are uneven in coverage and inadequate when considering extra disability-related costs, frequently excluding persons with disabilities in the informal sector; and,
• Many persons with disabilities’ experiences within care and support systems continue to be marked by the denial of their dignity, autonomy and agency.

The three core themes of social development, i.e. poverty eradication; promotion of full and productive employment and decent work for all; and social integration, are interrelated, mutually reinforcing and require an enabling environment so as to be achieved simultaneously. The inclusion of persons with disabilities as both agents and beneficiaries of social development is indispensable. Disability inclusion in all aspects of social, economic, cultural and political life is therefore an imperative. The theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”, builds on the reaffirmed commitment of world leaders gathered at the Second World Summit for Social Development to build a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable world and their understanding that advancing progress on social development depends on, and indeed necessitates, the inclusion of all segments of society. Let's discuss about How can we achieve disability inclusion?; Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EveryoneIncluded, #3December, #DisabilityInclusionStrategy, #DisabilityDay, #IDPD on social medias.

 

EVENT: On December 3rd, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (EST), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) will commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” The virtual event will gather Member States, UN entities, civil society, and experts to discuss inclusive social protection, assistive technology, awareness-raising, youth leadership, and access to care. 

10:00-10:30am: Opening Segment.

The opening segment will explore ways of achieving disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress through the framework of the Doha Political Declaration. Speakers will discuss how the Doha Political Declaration integrates disability inclusion and how it can assist Member States, as a framework replete with practical tools and solutions, to achieve social development for, with and by persons with disabilities.

10:30am-11:30am: Panel Discussion.

The online panel discussion will focus on key areas of disability inclusion and discuss enabling factors that are critical to achieving disability inclusion, thereby contributing to advancing progress in social development.

The following key points will structure the discussion and guide panellists when sharing their presentations and insights:

• Highlighting promising practices, practical examples and case studies;
• How the Doha Political Declaration and the Programme of Action for Social Development can be harnessed and utilised to accelerate momentum and progress towards disability inclusive societies and social progress; and
• Outlook on future developments and challenges to fostering disability inclusion as a means of advancing social progress and development.

We encourage our community to join this conversation virtually, which will also highlight how the Doha Political Declaration provides a framework for strengthening disability inclusion globally. For more information on the event, please read the Concept note. Subscription via zoom; Register to participate!

Statement of the U.N. Secretary-General on behalf the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025.

People with disabilities are transforming societies — leading innovation, influencing policy, and mobilizing for justice. Yet too often, they are denied a seat at the decision-making table.

The Doha Political Declaration, adopted at last month’s World Summit for Social Development, reaffirms a critical truth: there can be no sustainable development without the inclusion of people with disabilities.

People with disabilities drive progress that benefits us all. Their leadership has improved disaster preparedness, expanded inclusive education and employment, and ensured humanitarian responses reach those most at risk.

Many innovations that shape our daily lives — from text messaging to voice-activated technology — began as solutions developed by and for people with disabilities.

Yet systemic barriers persist: discrimination, poverty, and inaccessible services continue to limit the participation of the over one billion people with disabilities worldwide.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to working side-by-side with persons with disabilities in all their diversity, as equal partners.

When inclusion is real, everyone benefits. Together, we can build more accessible, resilient societies where all of us thrive.

António Guterres.

Statement from Dr Tedros, WHO Director-General on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025; December 3rd.

Every year, on 3 December, the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day is a powerful reminder that disability inclusion is not an add-on; it is a core principle of our mission to achieve of Health for All. For 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide - 16% of the global population - this vision often remains a distant promise. Persons with disabilities continue to face profound inequities in access to quality and affordable services. Together, let us build inclusive and accessible health systems with, by and for persons with disabilities.

Dr Tedros; WHO Director-General.

PUBLICATION: The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations. Through the Strategy, the United Nations system reaffirms that the full and complete realization of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 2025, the Secretary-General submitted his sixth report on disability inclusion in the UN system. Building on six years of implementation, this year’s system-wide report reflects on the progress made to advance disability inclusion between 2019 to 2024, celebrates key achievements, and outlines priorities for accelerating system-wide change. The recommendations lay out the Secretary-General’s vision for the future of UNDIS, setting a higher standard and inspiring transformative, system-wide progress on disability inclusion.

ACTIONS: Disability inclusion youth leadership involves giving young people of all abilities opportunities to lead in their schools and communities to promote acceptance and social inclusion. Key programs and initiatives focus on creating inclusive environments through activities like forming "Unified Clubs," providing training, and empowering youth to be advocates for change. The goal is to build a generation of leaders who can create a more equitable and accepting world.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024; December 3rd.

FORUM:”Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.“ International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024.

The leadership of persons with disabilities is epitomised by the global disability rights movement’s slogan “nothing about us without us”. It connotes the basic requirements of participation, representation and inclusion and calls for persons with disabilities to actively shape the conditions of their lives. One of the priorities of the global disability agenda is to advance the agency and leadership of persons with disabilities. In the past decades, persons with disabilities and organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) have already championed for the changes in their communities, and have been leading many of the community-led initiatives not only to advance their own rights, and wellbeing but also promoting inclusive development for instance enabling universal access to basic services by all; they have done so by taking both targeted and mainstreaming approaches to disability inclusion through, among others, consultation, data collection and analysis, and support with advocacy and accountability efforts.
Global leadership: Breakthroughs achieved.
The global leadership of persons with disabilities in multi-lateral and intergovernmental processes and frameworks to achieve human rights, peace and development, has led to such breakthrough achievements as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and UNSC Resolution 2475. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) stands as a landmark treaty incorporating development objectives for persons with disabilities in the international human rights frameworks. The drafting process of the CRPD prominently featured extensive leadership and engagement of the global disability community, along with the mobilization of broad networks of civil society, working side-by-side with the intergovernmental community. This process is widely recognized as one of the most significant in the realm of human rights treaties, with individuals with disabilities worldwide, including from the Global South, assuming pivotal leadership roles. Building upon the United Nations’ longstanding commitment to inclusive society and development and the normative force of the CRPD, the outcomes of the 2015 Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and its follow ups have underscored the leadership of persons with disabilities as a central issue in crisis management. Most recently, bringing this prominent leadership of persons with disabilities to the international humanitarian community, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2475 represents a momentous milestone as the first instance in which the Security Council has specifically addressed the situation and protection of individuals with disabilities in peace and security. This year, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities”, calling upon Member States, the UN system and other partners to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the CRPD, through addressing the disability-inclusive response to the challenges facing the world while mainstreaming the rights, well-being and perspectives of persons with disabilities. The resolution specifically focuses on promoting the participation and perspectives of persons with disabilities and continues to advance disability inclusion across the pillars of the UN’s work, with key components to render the disability inclusion a central issue in the global agenda.

Opening the corridors of power: opportunities for leadership of persons with disabilities.
The observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 (IDPD 2024) takes place against the backdrop of pivotal global developments, most recently the Summit for the Future. The Pact for the Future, alongside the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations, aim to reinvigorate the multilateral system, renew commitments under the 2030 Agenda and transform global governance to better meet the challenges of today to safeguard a resilient future. These frameworks are aligned with inclusive and sustainable development goals and present opportunities to strengthen disability rights. Notably, there are several cross-cutting areas where concrete actions Member States have committed to, promoting the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, including in the areas of armed conflict; science, technology and innovation; young people and social inclusion and integration; youth participation; and accessibility and disability inclusion within the UN system. Likewise, the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 offers another key moment to address gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation, as well as give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Looking forward to 2025, the observance of the IDPD 2024 presents an opportunity to amplify the role of persons with disabilities in reinforcing the social pillar of sustainable development and underscoring that economic growth, while essential, is not sufficient on its own to address the deep-rooted and structural inequalities that persist. These key global Summits will complement one another in providing a continuous roadmap toward disability-inclusive and sustainable peace and development. By emphasising this complementarity, the IDPD 2024 aims to underscore the importance of leveraging the leadership of persons with disabilities to ensure disability-inclusive and sustainable peace and development for all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EveryoneIncluded, #3December, #DisabilityInclusionStrategy, #DisabilityDay, #IDPD on social medias.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of the Persons with disabilities 2024; December 3rd.

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that we need the leadership of persons with disabilities more than ever. Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world — from conflicts and climate disasters, to poverty and inequalities — because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services. But they are also often denied their right to contribute to solutions to these crises. Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the countries of the world committed to correcting this injustice for persons with disabilities of all ages, for present and future generations. This includes recognising the essential role of persons with disabilities in shaping the future of digital and assistive technologies — such as those powered by artificial intelligence — driving change across communities, and advocating for their rightful place in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Next year’s World Summit for Social Development will be a key moment to carry these and other commitments forward. In every community, persons with disabilities are changemakers and peacemakers. They are also leaders. On this important day, and every day, let’s work with persons with disabilities to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all people. 

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement of the UNDP Administrator on the International Day of the Persons with disabilities 2024; December 2nd.

EVENTS: On December 3rd, a high level event starting at 10:00am (EST) at the Conference Room 6 in the UN Headquarters, New York will mark the Commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024.  Get the agenda programme and  Watch the livestream!

AGENDA PROGRAMME


10:00 – 10:05 – Welcome and Introduction
Introduction to the International Day and setting out the theme by the Co-Moderators.
Policy overview of the global disability agenda: key achievements and milestones.
10:05 – 10:15 – Remarks by the Co-Facilitators of General Assembly Resolution on “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities”
H.E. Mr. Antonio M. Lagdameo, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations.
H.E. Mr. Hussein A. Kattanga, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations (TBC).
10:15 – 10:20 – Remarks by the President of the Conference of the State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP)
H.E. Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Charge d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.
10:20 – 10:25 – Remarks by Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities
Ms. Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, Global Advocacy Manager for Social Inclusion, Sightsavers.
10:25 – 10:30 – Remarks by Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
(via video message) 

Ms. Heba Hagrass.
10:30 – 10:35 – Remarks by International Disability Alliance (IDA) 

Mr. José Viera, Executive Director (interim), IDA.
10:35 – 10:40 – Closing
Mr. Charles Katoanga, Director, Division of Inclusive Social Development, DESA.
Co-Moderators: Ms. Mina Mojtahedi, Disability Inclusion Team Lead, Executive Office of the
Secretary-General and Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy, Disabled People’s International (DPI) representative to the United Nations in New York, Director for Capacity Building and Advocacy
at G3ict – Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs.

COFFEE BREAK: 30 MINUTES (approx.)

11:30 –11:35 – Artistic contribution
Video message by Mr. Takafumi Yuki, a 5 Times International Emmy-nominated producer; Director of the Film “Mother’s Touch”, introduced by Ms. Akiko Ito, Chief, Programme on Disability, Division of Inclusive Social Development, DESA.



Panel Discussion (virtual), 11:35 am – 1:15 pm (EST):

11:35 – 11:40 – Welcome and Introduction
Short round of introductions of the panel by the moderator and setting the scene for the discussion.
11:40 – 11:55 – From the global to the local: Strengthening social development priorities for,
with and by persons with disabilities
Ms. Maryangel García Ramos Guadiana, Executive Director, Women Enabled International.
Ms. Abia Akram, CEO, National Forum of Women with Disabilities and Chair, Global Forum on the Leadership of Women with Disabilities.
Ms. Caroline Casey, Founder, The Valuable 500.
This segment will discuss the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar in 2025, an important forum for persons with disabilities to advocate for and shape inclusive social development, in partnership with other stakeholders.
11:55 – 12:10 – From the global to the local: Leadership of persons with disabilities promoting
international peace and security
Mr. Giles Duley, United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations (via video message).
Mr. Michael Ashley Stein, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, Visiting Professor at Harvard Law School.
Persons with disabilities have been a leading authority and contributors to the development of international law and policy furthering the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the context of peace and security. This segment will highlight important new developments in this field.
12:10 – 12:25 – From the global to the local: Advancing disability-inclusive sustainable
development through climate change advocacy and leadership.
Ms. Daphne Frias, North American Regional Focal Point for Sustainable Development Goal 16 at the UN Major Group for Children and Youth.
Mr. Nir Shrestha, UNESCO Global Youth Grant laureate.
Dr. Takashi Izutsu, Empower Youth Inclusion Project, University of Tokyo.
Recent global climate change conferences have demonstrated a growing presence of disability rights activists in the climate change agenda, particularly of youth with disabilities. The discussion will present ideas and initiatives that harness the promise of young persons with disabilities in order to achieve sustainable peace and development by urgently tackling the climate crisis.
12:25 – 12:30 – Global Digital Compact and the leadership of persons with disabilities: the
cross-cutting perspective on the Technologies and the Pact for the Future
Mr. Axel Leblois, Founder and President Emeritus, The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs.
12:30 – 12:45 – Q&A session
12:45 – 12:50 – Concluding remarks and wrap-up
Wrap-up of main points raised by the panellists and takeaway messages from the discussion by the moderator.
12:50 – 13:00 – Closing
Moderator shares final remarks, concludes the discussion and thanks the panellists.
Moderator: Ms. Mina Mojtahedi, Disability Inclusion Team Lead, Executive Office of the Secretary-General.

Artistic Contribution: Performance by Heidi Latsky Dance (in-person), UN visitors
information desk, General Assembly building, 1:15pm – 2:30pm (EST):
13:15 -14:30 Performance by Heidi Latsky Dance (HLD).
Heidi Latsky Dance (HLD) is a physically integrated dance company that challenges conventional ideas of beauty and ability. Founded in 2001, HLD includes both disabled and non-disabled dancers in its critically acclaimed works such as “GIMP” and “ON DISPLAY.” HLD is dedicated to promoting inclusivity through performance, outreach, and advocacy.

Guiding Questions (Panel Discussion): 

From the global to the local: Strengthening social development priorities for, with and by persons with disabilities

• How can we best ensure the meaningful participation of leaders with disabilities, including from the Global South, in line with “nothing about us without us”, during the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development?
• How can we leverage the Second World Summit for Social Development to strengthen the inclusiveness of social development, from the global to the local?

From the global to the local: Leadership of persons with disabilities promoting international peace and security.

• Why is international humanitarian law and international human rights law relevant to persons
• with disabilities? How have their experiences shaped the development of this body of law over the years?
• What emerging developments in international peace and security particularly relate to persons with disabilities? 
• How have communities of persons with disabilities led on these developments?

From the global to the local: Advancing disability-inclusive sustainable development through climate change advocacy and leadership

• What unique experiences, ideas and skills do young leaders with disabilities bring to the climate change movement? 
• How can we amplify their leadership for achieving progress on the SDGs?
• How can we ensure that disability inclusion, accessibility and participation are prioritised for generations of persons with disabilities to come?

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022; December 3rd.

FORUM:"Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.” International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022.

Today, one billion people, or 15 per cent of the world’s population, experience some form of disability. Most often, in moments of crises, people in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities are the most excluded and left behind. They are often not considered in employment due to negative perceptions regarding their ability to contribute or the cost of accommodating their disability. 

It is crucial for governments, public and private sectors to collaboratively find innovative solutions for and with persons with disabilities to make the world a more accessible and equitable place. It is against this backdrop that UN DESA is commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) this year focusing on the theme “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”. 

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Persons with Disabilities; December 3rd.

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities shines a light on the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.

Our world is confronting a cascade of crises that are disproportionally impacting persons with disabilities.

We need transformative solutions to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind.

This requires greater public-private sector collaboration to develop strategies for, with and by persons with disabilities.

The cornerstone of this cooperation must be the active participation of persons with disabilities in their full diversity, and their full inclusion in all decision-making processes.

Innovation and technology can be powerful tools for inclusion.

They can enhance access to information, education, and lifelong learning. And they can open new avenues for persons with disabilities to participate in the workforce and society at large on an equal basis.

But to realize the promise of technology we must close the digital divide and safeguard human rights in the digital space.

For our part, the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy presents a concrete road map to advance disability inclusion and accessibility across the work of the Organization.

From headquarters to the field, we are working to assess, address and promote digital accessibility and lead by example on disability inclusion.

On this day and every day, let us work together in finding innovative solutions to build an accessible and equitable world for all.

António Guterres.

“Together, we have the tools to tackle the root causes of systemic marginalization of persons with disabilities in every corner of the world. Together, we can make sure that every person – no matter their circumstance – can fully participate in every aspect of life – social, economic, cultural, and political. Together, we can – and we will – advance our common future.” These are the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres as he addressed the 15th session of the Conference of State Parties (COSP15) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) earlier this year. With 185 ratifications since its adoption in 2006, the CRPD has successfully advanced the well-being of persons with disabilities. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international development frameworks are also contributing to this progress. But more work remains to be done. 

OTHER STATEMENTS

• Statement by the UNESCO Director-General on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022; December 3rd.
• Statement by the UNDP Administrator on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022; December 3rd.

EVENTS: The 2022 global observance to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disablities on December 5th will be around the overarching theme of innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development. There will be three interactive dialogues following thematic topics on innovation for disability inclusive development in employment (SDG8); reducing inequality (SDG10); and sports (SDG3). 

The interactive dialogue on sports illustrates how this sector connects innovation, employment and equity. Together with different international actors, the UN is increasingly supporting interventions that are improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. Follow this year’s observance of the IDPD at UN Headquarters in New York to learn more about these efforts. The event will be broadcast live via UN Web TV.

World Down Syndrome Day 2022; March 21st.

FORUM: #InclusionMeans - World Down Syndrome Day 2022.

The United Nations, in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), calls for “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”. Everyone should have the same opportunities, take part in the same activities, be able to go to the same places and enjoy the same experiences in life. But around the world people with Down syndrome and disabilities do not benefit from full and effective participation and inclusion in society. There are many reasons for this. One reason is a lack of agreed understanding about what inclusion is and what inclusive systems look like in practice. Not everyone understands:
- How to include people with Down syndrome and disabilities;
- How full inclusion benefits everyone – with or without disabilities;
- What is happening around the world to bring about inclusion for all.

Self-advocates from around the world will explain in their own words what #InclusionMeans?.
The World Down Syndrome Day 2022 event will be attended by members of the Committee, government officials, and other major stakeholders.

Why #InclusionMeans?
• People with Down syndrome have a right to be included in all parts of society, like everyone else.
• Not everyone understands exactly what inclusion means or how to include people with Down syndrome.
• It is important to hear from people with Down syndrome what inclusion means.

WEBINARS

Event on the margins of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

#InclusionMeans at United Nations in New York.

#InclusionMeans at United Nations Geneva

Find out what we think #InclusionMeans in #Employment , and what it doesn't mean! #InclusiveEmployment #WorldDownSyndromeDay

Related Documents:

Read more about #InclusionMeans