International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 focused on the theme: "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities”.

Did you know?

• Of the one billion population of persons with disabilities, 80% live in developing countries.

• An estimated 46% of people aged 60 years and over are people with disabilities.

• One in every five women is likely to experience disability, while one in every ten children is a child with a disability.

Given the multiple crises we are facing today, the world is not on track to reach numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets by 2030. Preliminary findings from the UN Disability and Development Report 2023 (attached) indicate that the world is even more off-track in meeting several SDGs for persons with disabilities.

 With a special focus on the priority areas identified in the SDG Progress Report of 2023 as gender equality (People), climate action (Planet), financing for development (Prosperity), a new agenda for peace (Peace) and strengthening multilateralism (Partnerships). This link highlights a summary of the report: 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities: United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs - YouTube

Cedar’s Response

International efforts to rescue the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities, need to be intensified and accelerated, given that persons with disabilities have historically been marginalized and have often been among those left furthest behind.

A fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing, and action is critical. Integral to this is the inclusion of the voices, needs and priorities of the global community of persons with disabilities in all their diversity. At Cedar, our aim is to work towards an inclusive society for all by supporting individuals and families living with disability, autism, and brain injury to live the lives they choose.