At Ceremony Unveiling Custom Stamp, Secretary-General Extolls 2030 Agenda’s Focus on World’s 1 Billion Persons with Disabilities

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, as delivered by Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, to a ceremony to unveil the custom stamp sheet on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for persons with disabilities, in New York today:

It is a pleasure to convey best wishes to all who have gathered for this ceremony to unveil the custom stamp sheet on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for persons with disabilities.  I would like to express my appreciation to the China Disabled Persons’ Federation for organizing this event, along with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Postal Administration.

I also thank the Government of China for its leadership and support for the work of the United Nations in promoting the equality and full participation of persons with disabilities in society and development.

The 2030 Agenda adopted two days ago vows to leave no one behind, including the world’s 1 billion persons with disabilities.  As we embark on the crucial test of implementation, let us recognize that realizing our vision will require the inclusion of persons with disabilities — their aspirations, their concerns and, above all, their contributions.

The stamp issued today highlights the importance of ensuring the full inclusion of persons with disabilities into all aspects of society and symbolizes the enduring commitment of the United Nations to work with and for all social groups to secure the future we all want.

I look forward to strengthening collaboration among Governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector and persons with disabilities themselves and their organizations.  I commend once again our organizers for hosting this event and I hope our partnership will further advance inclusive and sustainable societies and development for all.