Innovating for an accessible and equitable world

“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.

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”.

The 2022 global observance to commemorate the IDPD on 5 December 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.

For more information: International Day of Persons with Disabilities