People with disabilities compete in the 4km "Wheelchair Marathon" in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the international community to work together for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable world, where the rights of people with disabilities are fully realized.
Guterres, in his message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, said more than 1 billion people in the world live with some form of disability, and in many societies, persons with disabilities often end up disconnected, living in isolation and facing discrimination.
The secretary-general said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents a commitment to reducing inequality and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including people with disabilities.
"That means implementing the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, in all contexts and in all countries. It also means integrating the voices and concerns of people with disabilities into national agendas and policies," he added.
The UN on Monday also issued a report on disability and development, and it shows that people with disabilities are at a disadvantage regarding most Sustainable Development Goals, but also highlights the growing number of good practices that can create a more inclusive society in which they can live independently, said the UN chief.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on Dec. 3, is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.