2024 International Day Of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD)

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3rd. The theme for this year is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future." This theme recognizes the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives.    

The theme this year reflects the current international political and policy context, in particular the Pact for the Future and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development, and the need to create momentum for achieving the 2030 Agenda. The theme seeks to amplify the centrality of the leadership role of persons with disabilities, in all of these efforts - from the global to the local.

Key Goals and Call to Action

• Promoting the leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.
• Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.   
• Increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.   
• Raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities.   

The IDPD 2024 will be commemorated with a series of events around the world. The main event will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event will bring together persons with disabilities, government representatives, and civil society organizations. It is an important opportunity to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that persons with disabilities face. 

Concept Note

Commemorative Event at the UN Headquarters in New York 
3 December 2024, 10am-11am (In-Person, CR.6) and 11:30am-1:15pm (Online)

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on December 3, 2024. The event is co-sponsored by the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and CBM Global.

Draft Programme 

The event will take place in person from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in conference room 6 at the UN Headquarters in New York. This segment is exclusively open to participants who have a valid UN Pass. Additionally, the event will be streamed online from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can watch it live at the following link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1wej4fsjh.

Events at UN Headquarters in New York

Heidi Latsky Dance Installation
3 December, 1:15pm– 2:30pm in the GA Lobby, Visitor Entrance Area, UN Building
Heidi Latsky Dance will stage a movement installation of performers who together form a living gallery. The installation features different and unexpected bodies in white clothing (signifying all the colors of the rainbow and a metaphor for inclusion) moving as reverent sculptures in the space. 

UN Global Campaigns

In 2019, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2475, emphasizing the protection of persons with disabilities in conflict situations and ensuring their access to justice, services, and humanitarian aid. In preparation for the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UNMAS is launching a campaign to draw attention to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in armed conflicts. The initiative aims to promote awareness, share best practices, and advocate for greater inclusion and development opportunities for this vulnerable group. The campaign builds on Resolution 2475 and the Summit of the Future outcomes, emphasizing the critical need for global action to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in conflict and post-conflict settings. For more information, please visit: https://www.unmas.org/en

Inclusion is central to ensuring that agrifood systems are transformed to their full potential, leaving no one behind. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, FAO, the Permanent Representation of the United Kingdom, Permanent Representation of Australia and the Permanent Representation of New Zealand, will host an event  that will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with efforts to achieve disability-inclusive agrifood systems transformation. A spotlight will be shone on persons with disabilities in the South-West Pacific Region. For more information, please visit: https://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6927/icode/

Accessibility

The Accessibility Centre at United Nations Headquarters, through its services, supports the inclusion and greater participation of persons with disabilities in the meetings taking place on United Nations premises. The Accessibility Centre is located in close proximity to the meeting rooms and equipped with state-of-the-art assistive information and communication technology supporting audio, visual as well as physical impairments. For more information on the Accessibility Centre and its services, please visit the Centre's website at https://www.un.org/dgacm/en/content/accessibility.
 

Spread the Word!

Everyone can join on social media by promoting this year’s theme.

• Follow us on Twitter @UN_Enable, @UNDESASocial, @UNDESA and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/undesasocial
• Use #DisabilityDay and #IDPD as the main hashtags
• Other hashtags: #EveryoneIncluded, #GlobalGoals and #CRPD