Welcoming Remarks - Summit of the Future Persons with Disabilities Consultation

• Ms. Nesia Mahenge, Country Director CBM International;
• Ms. Neema Kalole, Global Advocacy Officer Sightsavers;
• Ms. Judith Urio, Coordinator Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform;
• UN colleagues;
• Invited guests;

Habari za asubuhi! (Good morning)

On behalf of the United Nations, I welcome you all to the UN House. We are very happy to be hosting you here today and I am very pleased to join you all for this crucial consultation. I sincerely thank the organizers for their dedication in making this event possible. Your efforts towards creating a space where every voice, especially those of persons with disabilities, can be heard and valued, is truly commendable.

Today, we focus on the Summit of the Future, which will take place this September at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This summit represents a pivotal opportunity for global cooperation, as it aims to address pressing challenges and enhance international governance. The Summit will culminate in the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which includes key initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

According to the World Health Organization, 16 percent of the world’s population, or 1.3 billion people, live with some form of disability. In Tanzania, more than 9.3 percent of the population or 3.3 million people live with a disability. Efforts are underway to address the exclusion and invisibility of persons with disabilities. The United Nations is a longstanding partner of the government of Tanzania in efforts towards increased inclusion, empowerment of PWDs, accessibility, improved education, and tackling discrimination.

Our goal today is to ensure that the perspectives and needs of persons with disabilities are integral to Tanzania’s inputs to the discussions and outcomes of the Summit. We need to consider how these global themes—such as sustainability, technological advancement, and economic equity—can be adapted to reflect and address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by persons with disabilities. 

Your insights will be essential in shaping a future that is truly inclusive and representative. How can global commitments translate into tangible benefits for persons with disabilities? What can we do to ensure that technological and economic advancements are accessible and equitable? Your input today will help to create a more inclusive framework that recognizes and incorporates the diverse needs of all individuals.

Consultations with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are absolutely crucial for crafting effective international policies on disability, especially in the context of the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York: 

PWDs have firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face daily. Close consultation ensures that policies address those issues directly and avoid creating solutions that miss the mark.

Consulting PWDs demonstrates a commitment to their inclusion -- "nothing about us, without us" – and empowers them to shape policies that directly impact their lives.

The disability community is not monolithic. Consulting ensures a broad range of voices are heard, representing the specific needs of individuals with various disabilities.

When PWDs are involved in crafting policies, they're more likely to feel invested in their success.

Therefore, this consultation is a platform for you to voice your visions and concerns. 

As we prepare for the Summit of the Future, let us leverage this opportunity to advocate for a world where every person, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. Engage actively, share your perspectives, and let us work together to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for your commitment and for being here today. Let’s make the most of this consultation and drive forward an agenda that truly reflects our shared commitment to a more inclusive future.

Thank you very much.

Asanteni sana!