“DESA Forum: Dialogue on the post-2015 Development Framework and Disability”
New York, July 19 2013
Conference Room 4, NLB, United Nations
Draft Introductory Remarks by
H.E. Ambassador Dejan Šahović, Deputy-Chef de Cabinet
Office of the President of the General Assembly
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good Afternoon.
On behalf of the President of General Assembly, I am very pleased to take part in the inaugural session of “DESA Forum: Dialogue on the post-2015 Development Framework and Disability”. The Forum will address a vital issue of concern for the international community: the full and equal participation of all, including persons with disabilities, in development.
I would like to thank the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for its initiative and leadership.
I also wish to thank all of the co-sponsors of this important event: the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Brazil, Kenya, Philippines and Thailand, the World Bank, Disabled People's International (DPI), the Global Partnership for Disability and Development, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and Rehabilitation International (RI).
Ladies and Gentlemen,
More than one billion people – or 15 percent of the world’s population – live with disabilities. The vast majority of persons with disabilities live in developing countries and experience disproportionately high rates of poverty.
Yet, the rights and needs persons with disabilities – the world’s largest minority – have not been adequately addressed in the international development agenda.
The international community has achieved many gains under the framework of the Millennium Development Goals. However, these gains have not been enjoyed equally within societies. With few exceptions, particularly marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities, have failed to significantly improve their standing in their respective societies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we all know, the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals is fast approaching. The international community is looking ahead, and is actively engaged in processes towards a post 2015-development agenda.
The question we have gathered to discuss today is how we can ensure that any future sustainable development framework take into account the perspectives and concerns of persons with disabilities.
For the General Assembly, this question is of paramount concern.
In the years since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, the Assembly has promoted disability-inclusive development as a priority issue.
Notably, in 2006, the members of the General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force just two years later. To date, 132 countries have ratified or acceded to the Convention, which constitutes the central normative instrument setting out the responsibilities of all stakeholders towards disability –inclusive development.
The Assembly addressed disability in the outcomes of both its five and ten-year reviews of progress in implementing the MDGs.[1]
In recent years, the General Assembly has also emphasized, in a series of resolutions,[2] that it is impossible to genuinely achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, without the inclusion and integration of the rights, well-being and perspective of persons with disabilities in development efforts at the national, regional and international levels.[3]
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are here today to talk about the future.
Recognizing the need for increased attention to disability in the context of development, in 2011, the General Assembly called for a High-level Meeting on Disability and Development on thetheme:“The way forward: a disability inclusive development agenda towards 2015 and beyond” at the level of Heads of State and Government.
The meeting will take place on 23 September, the Monday before the start of the general debate of the sixty-eighth session, here at UN Headquarters in New York.
It will be held at the level of Heads of State and Government and will also include the participation of UN entities, representatives of civil society and other stakeholders.
The High-level Meeting is expected to adopt an outcome document that will provide action-oriented guidance for all stakeholders to close the gap between policy and practice.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The DESA Forum has convened development experts, policy makers, researchers and practitioners from Governments, UN, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector and other non-governmental organizations, including organizations of persons with disabilities, who have been active in advocating for, and promoting disability inclusion around the world.
The participants here today have much to contribute both the High-level Meeting and to broader discussions regarding the post-2015 development agenda.
The DESA Forum will provide the opportunity for all to share experiences and knowledge, strategize, plan, pool resources and build networks to inspire action, leading to the post-2015 phase of development.
It is my hope therefore that today’s Interactive Dialogue will contribute to our understanding of the different entry points into which disability can be practically included in all post-2015 development frameworks. At the same time, the Forum may present innovative solutions to overcome challenges faced in achieving disability-inclusive development.
In my view, the post-2015 development agenda should be inclusive, transformative and sustainable. The Agenda should set the stage for the crafting of a new global partnership in which inequalities are overcome and opportunities equalized for all of our global citizens, including persons with disabilities.
Thank you very much for your attention.
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1
[1] During its first five-year review of progress in implementing the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the General Assembly recognized the need for persons with disabilities to be guaranteed full enjoyment of their rights without discrimination (General Assembly Resolution 60/1). In 2010, at its second five-year review of progress in implementing the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the Assembly addressed disability in the context of promoting full and productive employment and decent work for all; providing more equitable access to economic opportunities and social services; and making special efforts to meet the nutritional needs of those living in vulnerable situations.(General Assembly Resolution 60/1).
[2]General Assembly resolutions 63/150, 64/131 and 65/186.
[3]General Assembly resolutions 63/150, 64/131 and 65/186