Director-General remarks at the Opening of the exhibition “The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Through the Eyes of Young People”

 
Opening of the exhibition “The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Through the Eyes of Young People”
Wednesday, 26 February 2025 at 1.00 p.m.
3rd floor, Exhibition gallery, Palais des Nations

 

Minister Locatelli [Italian Minister for Disabilities],
Ambassador Grassi,
Excellencies,  
Ladies and Gentlemen: 

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Permanent Mission of Italy and its partners for bringing this powerful exhibition to the Palais des Nations.

Let me begin with a simple statistic: over 1.3 billion people, or approximately 16% of the global population, live with some form of disability. It is a worldwide reality that touches every community, every economy, and every society. Yet, despite the progress we have made, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers—not just physical, but also societal, rooted in stigma, discrimination, and a lack of understanding.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted almost 20 years ago, in 2006. It was a landmark moment in our shared journey toward inclusion as the Convention set the grounds for global efforts to ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities and a recognition that their full participation is essential to achieving sustainable development. The document specifically references the importance of international cooperation in addressing the rights of persons with disabilities. With almost universal ratification, the Convention enjoys global acceptance.

Through this exhibition, we see the Convention not as a static document but as a living framework for action, interpreted through the creativity and vision of young people. These pictures challenge us to think differently and embrace inclusion. We can see the world through the eyes of young people, share their vision, and amplify their voices. This exhibition reminds us that inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. And it calls on us to break down all barriers - physical, societal, and behavioural - that prevent persons with disabilities from realizing their full potential.

The setting of International Geneva, as a hub for multilateralism and multistakeholder cooperation, provides a unique platform for advancing this agenda. Here, we bring together governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. The United Nations Office at Geneva is fully committed to ensuring that this process is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.

Accessibility is a cornerstone of this commitment. It is about physical infrastructure, but also about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their ability, can participate fully in the work of the United Nations. This includes providing services such as sign language interpretation, Braille documentation, and easy-to-understand communication tools that use simple language and visuals. These efforts are guided by the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, aimed at removing all the barriers and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

As we look ahead, the Pact for the Future provides many commitments to promote, protect and respect the human rights of all young people and foster social inclusion and integration. The UN system is fully mobilized to help Member States translate these commitments into actions.

This exhibition invites us to imagine a future that is more inclusive, more equitable, and more just. Let us carry this vision forward, not just today but every day, as we work together to build a world where no one is indeed left behind.

Thank you.