The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a timely reminder of the importance of these individuals’ in shaping a better future. Despite a demonstration of latent potential across diverse fields, people with disabilities often face prejudices that limit their ability to contribute towards a better society.
The 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which the United Nations observed on December 3, sets a reminder of the indispensable leadership roles of individuals with disabilities within modern society. It also emphasizes the global community’s role in embracing the idea of leaders from the community in order to foster a more inclusive society.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres outlines the disproportionate challenges faced by persons with disabilities amid global crises. These challenges, including wars, climate disasters, poverty, and inequality, often stem from persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to fundamental rights and services by people without disabilities.
Furthermore, people with disabilities are frequently excluded from contributing to solutions addressing these crises. However, the solutions to these problems are incomplete without the active involvement and leadership of persons with disabilities.
In his message, Secretary-General Guterres reiterates that there is place for persons with disabilities in all areas of society. The recently adopted Pact for the Future has all countries forming a coalition of rectifying the injustice towards persons with disabilities.
The rectification includes recognizing the role of persons with disabilities in influencing the evolution of digital and assistive technologies, including those powered by artificial intelligence. This recognition is of extreme significance, as it includes members of the community in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming World Summit for Social Development presents a unique opportunity to address gaps in existing commitments and advance disability inclusion and other positive agendas. As mentioned by Secretary-General Guterres,
“In every community, persons with disabilities are changemakers and peacemakers. They are also leaders.”
Secretary-General Guterres calls upon the global community to work closely with persons with disabilities in order to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all. This collaborative effort is the only way to successfully achieve the goal of including persons with disabilities in leadership positions.
All in all, this year’s observance is a reminder of the ongoing need to dismantle systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities. The yearly observation aims to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only recognized and included but are also leading the way in creating solutions for a better world.