How opportunities and technology are improving the lives of the disabled?
On December 3rd, 2018 the United Nations will be celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day presents an opportunity to focus our collective attention towards an often overlooked demographic and advance the understanding of disability issues. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, while increasing awareness of the challenges of this community in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. In 2018 we have been focusing on empowering persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development as a part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The United Nations Department of Management will be hosting a candid conversation on the state of the disabled community with a number of global disability leaders. This discussion will help frame the challenges of inclusion and integration for the disabled community and share a positive outlook on future perspectives.
Since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations is at the forefront of addressing the current issues as well as identifying innovative solutions - The Art of the Possible - for all of us to move forward. Following the open discussion, we will be showcasing technologies ranging from 3D printed prosthetics to accessible employment initiatives at the UN Secretariat.
By opening the event to staff from the Secretariat as well as agencies, funds and programmes, and to a number of special guest from the outside the UN, and by transmitting it globally through media and social media, the Office of Human Resources Management, together with the Office of Information and Communications Technology, aim to share how the United Nations is working towards more effective inclusion with the help of technology. In this way the UN seeks to be an employer of choice for ALL and to more effectively serve our global constituents in the execution of our mandates.