Response by the International Disability Alliance to the Zero Draft of the Political Declaration to be adopted at the HLPF on Sustainable Development
The International Disability Alliance (IDA) in its response to the Zero Draft of the Political Declaration of the SDGs Summit has called for dedicated references to persons with disabilities as well as for a move away from ‘business as usual’. While appreciating the work of the co-facilitators (Ireland and Qatar) and member States on the strong reflection of the interconnectedness, universality and indivisibility of development; IDA noted that the intersectional focus for transformative systemic shifts is still missing from the document. IDA also welcomed the increased attention to marginalized groups that are at the highest risk of being left behind, in particular persons with disabilities; while expressing concern that we are still away from concrete and courageous actions towards true inclusion. The Zero Draft contains two references to disability at this point which does not adequately address the multiple, intersectional barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
The SDGs Summit that will take place in September this year will mark the mid-point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the SDGs. The Summit will bring together political and thought leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, women and youth and other stakeholders in a series of high-level meetings with the Heads of State and Government.
This year the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in July will also be a platform that will lead up to the SDGs Summit.
Click here to read IDA’s response to the Zero Draft (Word)
Click here to read IDA’s response to the Zero Draft (PDF)
You can also find here the Executive Summary and the Position Paper of the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities (SGPWD) for HLPF 2023.