PREvention and RESilience
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Date: December 3, 2024
Theme: Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future
Leadership and the Global Disability Rights Movement
The 2024 theme underscores the vital role of persons with disabilities as leaders and agents of change, guided by the slogan:
“Nothing About Us Without Us.”
This principle highlights the necessity of participation, representation, and inclusion to ensure persons with disabilities can actively shape their lives and societies.
The global disability agenda prioritizes the leadership of persons with disabilities, recognizing the transformative impact of their:
- Community-led initiatives to promote universal access to services.
- Advocacy and accountability efforts for inclusive development.
- Collaborations in data collection and policy-making.
A Time of Global Significance
The 2024 observance coincides with pivotal international events, including the Summit of the Future and the Second World Summit for Social Development. Together, these summits provide a roadmap for ensuring disability-inclusive sustainable peace and development.
The theme emphasizes that the leadership of persons with disabilities is essential for achieving global progress toward a future that is inclusive for all.
United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy
Launched in 2019, the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy strengthens the UN’s commitment to:
- Raise organizational standards on disability inclusion across all areas of work.
- Fully integrate the rights of persons with disabilities into global human rights and development agendas.
The fifth report on disability inclusion in 2024 reflects on:
- Progress made across the UN system.
- Challenges and opportunities in advancing inclusion.
- Key areas for action to ensure an inclusive and accessible world.
The Role of Persons with Disabilities in Building an Inclusive Future
To achieve sustainable development, it is essential to:
- Leverage the expertise and leadership of persons with disabilities.
- Promote collaboration with organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).
- Incorporate disability-inclusive policies in peacebuilding, economic growth, and social equity initiatives.
How to Observe the Day
- Amplify Voices: Highlight the leadership stories of persons with disabilities in various fields.
- Engage in Dialogue: Organize forums to discuss disability inclusion in policymaking and development.
- Promote Awareness: Conduct campaigns to challenge stereotypes and highlight contributions.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Support OPDs and their efforts to promote inclusive development.
A Path Forward
The 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities calls for renewed commitment to amplify the voices and leadership of persons with disabilities in creating a future that is inclusive, accessible, and sustainable for all. Their leadership is not just a matter of inclusion—it is essential to achieving global progress.
