Across the world, more than one billion people live with a disability. 

This is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to build societies that work for everyone. 

Yet too many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to education, employment, healthcare and political participation. 

At the United Nations Development Programme — UNDP — we are committed to changing this.

Disability inclusion is part of everything we do: from strengthening governance systems and driving inclusive digital transformation, to supporting climate action and sustainable livelihoods that leave no one behind. 

For example, in Kenya, UNDP is working with national partners to embed disability inclusion across public life and employment, including improving access to public services.

Or look to India, where UNDP is working with private sector partners to streamline disability inclusion in business practices, such as inclusive hiring and workplace training.

Yet no single actor can achieve inclusion alone. 

This is why UNDP hosts the Global Disability Fund, a unique platform that brings governments, the private sector, and disability organizations together for shared action.

Looking ahead, fostering disability-inclusive societies means creating fair and accessible environments, institutions, and technologies that are inclusive and supportive to all. 

It means tackling discrimination.

It means amplifying leadership. 

And it means recognizing that when persons with disabilities participate fully, we don’t just change individual lives.

We change the future we share.

Thank you.

Haoliang Xu