Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

3 December 2021

 

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda, the International Disability Alliance, and the UN Sustainable Development Group, for inviting me to speak.

Today, we recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day for increasing awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights.

This year’s theme, “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”, could not be more fitting.

It reminds us that persons with disabilities must be part of any decision-making process around COVID-19, around the achievement of sustainable development goals, or around any other issue relevant to our societies.

With more than a billion people living with some form of a disability – and 80 per cent of those in developing countries – we must make the extra effort to ensure that they are included and empowered.

Collective action and commitment on the inclusion of persons with disabilities is a multistakeholder responsibility.

The UN General Assembly plays a crucial role in this, as evidenced by the 184 states that have become parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

This is a clear testament to the solidarity of the international community on the provision and protection of human rights for persons with disabilities.

This is further illustrated by the support of Member States in activities and programs spearheaded by the Group of Friends of Persons with Disabilities, and the Friends of Vision. 

The dedicated participation of Member States in the work of the Commission on Social Development, which has a focus on disabilities, continues to be a source of guidance on this front.

Equally important are the ongoing efforts of the United Nations System and multilateral system.

Together, partners help strengthen the foundation for data collection and information sharing, all of which are integral to the improvement of policies for the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Excellencies, my dear friends,

I have shared with you the realities and importance of collaboration by Member States, yet much remains to be achieved, requiring deeper collaboration beyond member states.

Civil society, governments, and multilateral agencies must work together to enhance and strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

As we are constantly reminded by the ongoing pandemic, unity is the only solution for humanity.  Everyone must be included.

As a President of Hope, I will continue to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, for their meaningful participation in society, and for the assurance that the conversation is echoed across our whole-of-society.

Once again thank you very much for this opportunity and I wish you all the best.

Thank you.