Inclusive Development for and with Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities continue to be left behind in global development efforts. Progress is insufficient for them in 30% of the Sustainable Development Goal targets, and in 14% of cases, the target has been missed or progress has stalled or been reversed. This includes targets on access to financial resources, healthcare, water, and information and communications technology (ICT), as well as on building the resilience of persons with disabilities during disasters and other emergencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and had a disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities. They were more likely to lose their jobs, experience food insecurity, and have difficulty accessing healthcare and education during the pandemic. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by, for, and with persons with disabilities, urgent action is needed. This includes:

Strengthening disability inclusion in national poverty reduction strategies and programs.
Reviewing laws and policies to mainstream disability inclusion and abolish discriminatory provisions against persons with disabilities.
Increasing the awareness of United Nations country teams, donors, the private sector, and other stakeholders involved in aid initiatives about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Promoting disability inclusion as a core feature of digital development investments and programs in Member States and throughout the United Nations system.
Reducing barriers to international trade in assistive technology.
Involving persons with disabilities in decision-making processes on disaster response and humanitarian action.
Strengthening and harmonizing disability data into national systems.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a roadmap for a more inclusive and equitable future for all, including persons with disabilities. By taking concrete steps to implement the recommendations outlined in this report, Member States can accelerate progress towards achieving the Goals by, for, and with persons with disabilities.

Joint Letter by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples- April 2025

COSP18: Towards the Second Social Summit: Raising Awareness of Disability Rights and Contributions

UN Chronicle Article 'Leveling the Playing Field: Inspiring Change through Sport' by Charles Katoanga