The event, held at the Phoenix Media Centre, was attended by over 100 representatives from leading government organisations, disability organisations, UN agencies, civil society and the private sector. The online streaming of the event attracted widespread interest and participation.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated annually on December 3 since it was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. The day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in political, social, economic and cultural life.
The 2023 commemoration will mark the eighth joint commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities since the establishment of the multi-stakeholder UN Thematic Group on Persons with Disabilities in China. The UNTGD is chaired by UNESCO and brings together 160 members from UN agencies and civil society for dialogue and advocacy on the rights of persons with disabilities. Over the next two years, UNESCO, UNFPA and ILO, with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, will work together to implement the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) in China to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully respected, protected and fulfilled, and address issues such as accessibility, education, employment and sexual and reproductive health needs and services.