5 things to know about the leadership of persons with disabilities

On 3 December, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme, "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." The commemoration will highlight the strides made and the challenges ahead. Here are 5 things you should know about the leadership of persons with disabilities:

1. The leadership of persons with disabilities is based on the principle of "nothing about us without us" 
This phrase highlights the crucial need for their participation, representation and inclusion. It emphasizes the importance of their active involvement in decision-making processes to influence the conditions affecting their lives, ensuring that policies and initiatives consider their viewpoints and priorities.

2. Over the years, persons with disabilities and organizations representing them have led important community-driven efforts
These initiatives aim not only to advocate for their rights and well-being but also to promote inclusive development. By using both specific and general approaches, they help improve universal access to essential services and resources. Recent global climate change conferences have demonstrated a growing advocacy for disability inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities, especially youth with disabilities, in climate action.

3. The global disability rights movement has achieved significant milestones, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and UN Security Council Resolution 2475 
The CRPD is especially important because it incorporates development objectives for persons with disabilities into international human rights frameworks and highlights their leadership in creating this treaty. Resolution 2475 was the first instance where the Security Council focused on the protection and circumstances of persons with disabilities in peace and security situations, highlighting their crucial impact on shaping international policy.

4. The Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 offers opportunities to enhance leadership among people with disabilities
The Summit aims to address social development gaps, revitalize the 2030 Agenda, and stress the importance of including persons with disabilities in achieving sustainable peace and development. 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 promote the participation and perspectives of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and continue to advance disability inclusion across the pillars of the UN’s work.

5. Leadership will be front and center at the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On 3 December, 2024, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme, "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." The commemoration at UN Headquarters in New York will highlight the strides made and the challenges ahead, including upcoming key global milestones like the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025. By harnessing the leadership of persons with disabilities, we can advance towards a future that ensures sustainable peace and inclusive development for all. 

For more information: International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

Photo Credit: UNDP/Duško Miljanić