The United Nations (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated annually on 3 December. First proclaimed in 1992 by the UN General Assembly, the day aims to promote understanding of disability issues and encourage support for the rights of persons with disabilities.
The theme for the 2023 IDPD is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities’. Following the 2023 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Progress Report and Summit, world leaders have re-committed to meet the SDGs, focusing on actions that target the most vulnerable, such as persons with disabilities. This focus includes developing policies and actions for the SDGs that are particularly relevant to persons with disabilities, such as SDG 10 on reduced inequalities and SDG 4 on quality education.
A commemorative event to mark this year’s IDPD will include discussions around the five pillars outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a focus on priority areas related to persons with disabilities. These include:
- gender equality for women and girls with disabilities (People);
- the disproportionate effect of climate change on persons with disabilities (Planet);
- resourcing of disability inclusive development (Prosperity);
- addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in conflict situations (Peace);
- commitments from the global community to work together to strengthen solidarity for persons with disabilities (Partnerships).
The discussions will be based on findings from recent reports, such as the 2023 SDG Progress Report and the forthcoming UN Disability and Development Report for 2023. The event calls for greater action to close the gaps in inclusive and sustainable development for persons with disabilities, and increased international co-operation.
The event will take place on 1 December 2023 from 10:00–13:00 EDT (16:00–19:00 CET) in New York. People are invited to register to join the event online by 28 November. For more information, visit the IDPD website.