Message of the DCO Deputy Director on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, we are reminded that equality and non-discrimination are the foundation of real progress.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm that inclusive and resilient societies are only possible when everyone helps shape solutions from the start. With 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, their voices and leadership are essential.

The UN is proud to work with countries to turn the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into reality. Guided by the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, we’ve driven systemic change over the past five years. At the country level, Resident Coordinators lead efforts to bring all parts of the UN together — working alongside Governments, communities, and partners to make rights real: through accessible schools, inclusive jobs, and stronger laws and institutions that open doors to participation and leadership.

True inclusion means shared leadership. It means building communities where everyone can contribute, belong, and thrive. Change happens when persons with disabilities and their organizations guide the way — shaping policies, improving services, and sparking innovation.

Consultations must start early, and young people with disabilities — especially in rural or crisis-affected areas — must be part of the conversation. Real inclusion means everyone, everywhere, has a voice.

Already, 70% of UN country teams consult organizations representing persons with disabilities, ensuring our work reflects their priorities. On this International Day, we recommit to widening that circle — until participation and accessibility become second nature to how the world works.