Disability Inclusion Capacity Development Workshop Lusaka, 4 May 2023

• The Chairperson of the Leave no one Behind Theme Group
• Senior staff from UN Agencies in Zambia
• Members of the Leave no one Behind Theme Group
• Representatives of Organizations for Persons With Disabilities  
• All UN colleagues
• Trainers
• Ladies and gentlemen

It is my district honour and pleasure to welcome you to this Disability inclusion capacity development workshop. I am delighted to be here today, on behalf of the UNCT, to officially open this high-level training on disability inclusion on behalf of the UNCT.

A lot is said about Disability Inclusion. Guidance from our Head Quarters is very clear on what we need to do. The gap, however, sometimes remains between knowing what to do and taking steps or tangible actions to implement. I believe that before we do any of that, we need to all be fully aware of what Disability Inclusion means. This workshop is, therefore, very important in ensuring that we develop capacity to fully grasp Disability Inclusion issues.

Today, we have come together to commit to change. We are here to step-up our efforts to improve the lives of Persons with Disabilities as a UN family. I am also happy to see UN technical staff present from various agencies.

I take note that Persons with Disabilities constitute 15 % of the world’s population. Here is Zambia, Disability Prevalence is estimated to be around 10 percent of the country’s population. In many countries, Persons with Disabilities are among the most marginalised. The COVID-19 pandemic, floods and other natural calamities that some parts of the country have witnessed have increased inequalities.

An analysis of the 2022 UNCT disability inclusion scorecard shows that persons with disabilities are disproportionately poor, and more likely to be un-employed or under-employed. They still face challenges in accessing adequate education or healthcare.

They face barriers, not only to basic opportunities and services, but to participation in society itself. Yet, all too often, they are marginalized and excluded.

Therefore the UNCT is stepping up its efforts to support the government in combating the challenges facing  persons with disabilities  this is also reflected in the UNSDCF 2023-2025.

Improving the lives of persons with disabilities will have a significant impact, not only for individuals, but also for society at large. If the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved, social and economic development must be rights-based and disability-inclusive. We should not leave anyone behind.

Building on progress from the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy which was launched by the UNSG in 2019, it is my hope that this training should become a powerful platform for committing to lasting change in the lives of Persons with Disabilities. With the number of commitments and all of you present, I believe we will succeed.

Together we must and can combat various types of barriers, such as stigma and discrimination. We must and can promote equal access to social services and participation. And we must and can ensure meaningful engagement by persons with disabilities.

Inter-Agency commitment will contribute to advancing the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These are commitments that will result in genuine change for persons with disabilities.

The UNCT in Zambia commitments are largely about changing the way we and our development partners work. Our approach will be more disability inclusive in prioritized sectors such as quality education, good health, and well-being, reduced inequalities, decent jobs and climate change. To get it right, the UNCT seeks to  strengthen its engagement and partnership with persons with disabilities and their organisations, to ensure traceability of our efforts and enhance data collection to make the situation for persons with disabilities more visible.

We are in this together.

There is a saying, “Nothing about us, without us,” meaning that persons with disabilities should be at the table to inform and influence strategies and decisions related to disability inclusion. I am happy to see representatives and friends of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities here today. I especially encourage people with disabilities to speak up and really make their voice heard during this workshop, and for people without disabilities to solicit, listen to, value and act on that strong contribution.

The United Nations secretary General noted that we cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – or any other development goals – without persons with disabilities being included in the process, as both beneficiaries and change-makers.

As I close, let me note that empowerment of persons with disabilities and their greater inclusion in society are key to achieving the SDGs and the Vision 2030 and to strengthening national and global efforts for development for all.

I thank you and wish you all a successful training.

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