The second annual Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on May 15 and 16, 2017. The Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities will be present with two representatives, and will contribute to the discussions. The Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities developed a short advocacy paper that will be used to advocate and to be shared during the meeting.
In brief
In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technology and accessibility can promote inclusion and help realize the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and shape the future of sustainable development for all. This is especially important since one billion persons with disabilities globally encounter widespread barriers or lack of accessibility in built environments, transport and information and communication services, including relevant information and communications technology (ICT). These barriers often deny persons with disabilities access and inclusion into mainstream society. Furthermore, without access to digital infrastructure and accessible ICT, persons with disabilities are at risk to be excluded from statistics and surveys used to develop future programs and policies.
As such, this paper explores the impact and benefits of policy and programmatic measures to improve the well-being and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development within the SDGs under review with linked recommendations.