03.12.2015 December 3rd at the UN Headquarters

Today at the United Nations Headquarters for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) Ms. Maleni Chaitoo presented on behalf of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) and the International Disability Alliance (IDA). Her presentation in International Sign was on the theme of “Taking concrete steps for disability-inclusive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” Click here to read the full statement. Ms. Chaitoo presented at the opening session along side UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and Ms. Catherine Pollard, Under-Secretary-General, Department for General Assembly and Conference Management.

Persons with disabilities received strong support from Member States who presented, including: Australia, Ecuador, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, and Spain. Additionally, many Member States tweeted in support of IDPD and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society including: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, the European Union, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and more. Thank you for contributing to a truly inclusive day for all.

Many Member States emphasized the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, but as well highlighted the need for persons with disabilities to be active participants in the implementation of Agenda 2030. Specifically, the Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities outlined the importance of the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Agenda 2030, disaster risk reduction, and to ensure accessibility is part of inclusive and sustainable development initiatives. He added that this could be done through an increase of robust and disaggregated data.

Coming together as we did today is truly in the spirit of leaving no one behind.