These figures reflect not only health conditions, but also the consequences of systemic exclusion, discrimination and limited access to services.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated on 3 December, stressed: without real inclusion, there can be no talk of genuine social progress or sustainable development.
Full participation
The Secretary-General recalled that many persons with disabilities make contributions that benefit society as a whole. Through their efforts, the world receives innovations that then become part of everyday life. This is how voice control technology, text messaging and many other solutions have come about.
But despite this, people with disabilities are too often denied the right to participate in decision-making.
Systemic barriers
“The Doha Political Declaration adopted last month at the World Summit for Social Development reaffirms a crucial truth: sustainable development cannot be achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities,” said the UN chief.
However, around the world, people with disabilities and their families face significant barriers, including discrimination in the labour market, limited access to information, technology and infrastructure, and inappropriate education and social protection systems.
Without addressing these barriers, social development will remain incomplete.
On 3 December, UN Headquarters will host a discussion on how to build truly inclusive societies in line with the Doha Declaration. Representatives from governments, civil society and the UN will discuss practical tools, solutions and factors needed to advance social development.