International Day of Persons with Disabilities

 

The theme for this year’s observance: Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Society for All

International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities is observed on 3rd December annually. This observance was first proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nation General Assembly. It highlights the need for governments and the private sector to work with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to promote inclusiveness and sustainable development, while pursuing the agenda of leaving no one behind.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development pledges to “leave no one behind” as the world moves forward with plans to encourage sustainable development in infrastructural, social and cultural aspects of development. Efforts to improve the resilience of society and to pursue a better, more harmonious future, should not negatively impact nor neglect persons with disabilities, causing them to become disenfranchised. Efforts should instead be inclusive, improving and transforming the world for the benefit of all its inhabitants.

The UN will host the main event for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at their New York Headquarters. The activities there will include panel discussions and other side events based on the theme. Persons are encouraged to participate in events at the local community level to commemorate this day through public discussions, celebrations and forums, which should be inclusive and open for the full participation of all members of society.

International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities activities in Saint Lucia

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities has indicated that the highlight activity for International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities will take place on Tuesday, 5th December 2017  as a contingent of representatives for persons with disabilities will sit in for the proceedings at the upcoming sitting of the House of Parliament.

Additionally, the Vieux Fort Special Education Center will be hosting a “Gwan Zafe Show” on Monday, 4th December 2017 at the Philip Marcellin Grounds from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The show will feature dancing, modeling and other forms of entertainment performed by students from various special schools. All members of the public are invited to attend to show support for the students and most of all, enjoy the show!

International Day of Persons with Disabilities