Policy and Plan of Action for Disability Inclusion

Since its establishment, the United Nations has promoted the inclusion and advancement of persons with disabilities around the world. The UN also prioritizes the mainstreaming of disability inclusion across the UN system. To this end, the UN system-wide policy and strategy – the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) was endorsed by the Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), and formally launched by the Secretary-General in June 2019.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) values the endorsement of the UNDIS and recognizes the opportunity it provides to advance critical policies to reduce inequality and ensure that no one is left behind. Over the past decades, UN DESA, through evidence-based research and analysis as well as substantive and technical contributions, has been at the helm in supporting

Member States to achieve greater social inclusion and well- being for all. In line with its current mandates and overall objectives to support international cooperation in the pursuit of sustainable development for all, UN DESA emphasizes social inclusion for all, particularly vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, as an important driver of development progress, reduction of inequality and eradication of poverty.