UN Calls for Focus on Needs of 1.3 Bln Persons with Disabilities

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called for a focus on the needs of the 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide.

He emphasizes the importance of including them in decision-making across all sectors through the efforts made by countries to achieve sustainable development goals, according to the official UN spokesperson.

Guterres stated that achieving sustainable development requires fulfilling the promise not to leave anyone behind, especially the 1.3 billion people with disabilities around the world.

He added that halfway to the 2030 agenda, persons with disabilities still face systemic discrimination and barriers that hinder their meaningful integration into all aspects of society.

Guterres stressed that effective sustainable development for people with disabilities requires a strong focus on their needs and rights, not just as beneficiaries but as active contributors to social, economic, and political life.

"This means ensuring that persons with disabilities are at every decision-making table, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and through efforts by countries to achieve sustainable development goals - from eradicating poverty to ensuring health, education, and climate action,” he noted.

Guterres concluded his message by inviting the world on this important day to work together with persons with disabilities to design and deliver solutions based on equality of rights in every country and society.