UNDP Zimbabwe joins the Government of Zimbabwe, the nation and the world at large as we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,”.

Today, and every other day we are reminded of the importance of building a society that is rooted in equity, fairness, and respect for the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. A society that leaves no one and no place behind, as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, and the national development aspirations. Both the SDGs and the National Development Strategy (2) provide the foundation for a society that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and empowers every individual to thrive and contribute to a fair and just society.

At UNDP Zimbabwe, we recognise the critical role of persons with disabilities in driving social progress, creating equitable opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for generations to come. As the United Nations Secretary General noted’ “persons with disabilities are transforming societies — leading innovation, influencing policy, and mobilising for justice. Yet too often, they are denied a seat at the decision-making table”.

As we approach the 2030 finish line for achieving the SDGs and the Vision 2030, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers and exclusion across various aspects of society, including access to key services, and in participation in leadership and decision-making processes. These challenges not only prevent individuals from living their lives to the fullest but also hold back our collective progress toward achieving inclusive and sustainable societies and development.

Building a truly inclusive society and achieving the SDGs requires robust efforts to dismantle the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities, enhance their voice and participation in decision making, and ensure disability inclusion is embedded across every dimension of development.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities and beyond, we remain committed to our partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, Organization of  Persons with disabilities, development partners, persons with disabilities and all citizens of Zimbabwe in building up on the various achievements made so far, and ensuring disability inclusion across our health, planet, prosperity, and governance programming, and also within our internal operations.

Across our work, we aim to address the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities, providing a platform for leadership, participation, and empowerment. Let us join forces and ensure that sustainable progress is truly inclusive, and that our journey toward the SDGs by 2030 is one that continuously values the contributions and presence of all people.

Together, we can foster disability-inclusive societies where all people can thrive.