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2017 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations

3 December is celebrated by the global community as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/47/3 from 14 October 1992. This day is intended to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and their participation in the global development. It is important that the global community creates opportunities for persons with disabilities in terms of development, and ensures their rights are protected as described in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

From the concept note: The 2030 Agenda pledges to “leave no one behind”. Persons with disabilities, as both beneficiaries and agents of change, can fast track the process towards inclusive and sustainable development and promote resilient society for all, including in the context of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action, and urban development. Governments, persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, academic institutions and the private sector need to work as a “team” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On 1 December 2017, the United Nations hosted events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Events were organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and co-sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, San Marino, European Union and the NGO Committee on Aging.

The morning events were organized under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”. The Opening Ceremony included the following speakers: (first segment) Moderator, Ms. Venus Ilagan, Secretary General, Rehabilitation International, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd session of the General Assembly, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Georgi Panayotov, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria, H.E. Mr. Finnian Cheshire, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand, (second segment) Moderator, Ms. Venus Ilagan, Secretary General, Rehabilitation International, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, Permanent Representative of Turkey, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Diego Morejón-Pazmiño, Permanent Representative of Ecuador, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Toshiya Hoshino, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Park Chull-joo, Deputy Permanent Representative of Republic of Korea, Ms. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer, World Blind Union.

Watch the video of Miroslav Lajcák’s address (President of the 72 UN General Assembly) at Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all – Observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

The following panel discussions were held throughout the day:

Panel Discussion on “Persons with disabilities as agents of change: Lessons from disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action for resilient and sustainable societies”

This panel discussion addressed issues of disaster and crises response planning for persons with disabilities, as well as the role of persons with disabilities as agents of change in implementing the Agenda 2030 in regard to humanitarian action, accessible urban development and disaster risk reduction. Read concept note for this Panel Discussion here.

Watch the video of this session here.

Side event on “Big data analytics and text mining: monitoring and evaluating disability and development for SDGs and CRPD implementation”

This side event was organized to discuss the importance of data analysis mechanisms that are necessary in implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the agenda of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Read concept note for this Panel Discussion here.

Side event on “Sustainable developments in health through innovative technologies”

This Panel Discussion was organized by the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and the International Council of Caring Communities. The panel discussed innovative medical technology that facilitates accessibility for persons with disabilities and minimize barriers for their participation in global community. Presentations highlighted the following topics: regenerative medicine and its role in treating osteoarthritis, remote virtual therapy in treating paralysis in persons with stroke, 3-dimensional printing and its role in affordable orthotics and prosthetics, and private-public partnership in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. Read concept note for this Panel Discussion here.

Panel Discussion on “Building future societies for all”

This discussion highlighted the ways for private-public partnership cooperation in addressing urban social development as a strategy to poverty eradication. The benefits and contributions of pro-poor tourism as tools of social inclusiveness, employment and prosperity were also discussed during this panel. Read concept note for this Panel Discussion here.

Watch the video of this Panel Discussion here.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was completed with the performance by Korean musicians and Statement by Mr. Bae Boumjun, as well as the Heidi Latsky Dance Installation.

This video highlights challenges persons with disabilities face in Mexico while trying to access schools. “The Missing Link: Transporting Children with Disabilities to School“.

by Vera Dimoplon

Read Vera’s recent op-ed on the challenges refugees with disabilities face, “Refugees with Disabilities Are a Global Responsibility.”

 

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