2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent.

Excellencies,

Representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities,

Colleagues from the United Nations,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to welcome you all to this special event jointly organized by the UN Country Team in China and Phoenix TV, to mark the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Today, we gather here to celebrate the remarkable progress we have achieved in advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. But it is also a moment to reflect on the challenges that still lie ahead.

This year’s International Day theme, “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities”, serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of unity and collective action. Only by working hand in hand can we build a just, equitable and inclusive world for all.

In China, there are over 85 million persons with disabilities, who make invaluable contributions to society. However, negative stereotyping and lack of accessibility still prevent them from equal participation and fully realizing their potential. We must do more to tackle attitudinal, physical and communication barriers.

Tonight’s theatrical performance and photo exhibition showcase the capabilities and creativity of persons with disabilities, while prompting us to reflect critically on deep-rooted biases and prejudices. By giving voice to the disability community, arts and culture can spark conversation and social transformation.

In this Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, now is the time for people across all sectors of society to come together, listen to each other, understand different perspectives, and co-create solutions. If we open our minds, open our hearts, and open doors of opportunity, we can include people with disabilities in our decision-making processes, allowing them to thrive as leaders and agents of change.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At this special event, we, as the UN Country Team, reiterate our commitment to promoting the fundamental rights, well-being and empowerment of persons with disabilities in China. We will continue collaborating across the UN system, with the government, civil society and the private sector to build a society that values our common humanity and leaves no one behind.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who tirelessly work towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Let this event mark the beginning of ever stronger partnerships, ever bolder action, and ever greater progress towards disability inclusion and sustainable development.

I wish you an enjoyable and thought-provoking evening.

Thank you.