THE United Nations (UN) in Zimbabwe has pledged to deepen collaboration with the government, organisations of persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and civil society to advance disability rights and promote inclusive development across all sectors.
The commitment was made last week as Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
In a statement, the UN said disability inclusion remained central to its work in Zimbabwe, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved through strong, coordinated partnerships.
“On this #IDPD2025 we commit to strengthening partnerships with the government, OPDs and civil society in advancing disability rights and inclusion across all spheres and ensuring disability inclusion in all UN-supported programmes,” it said.
The UN said it would continue supporting national efforts to build systems, policies and institutions that promote equal participation for persons with disabilities.
“We proudly join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the global theme: Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress. The United Nations in Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, including persons with disabilities whose voices and contributions are essential to national development,” it said.
The organisation said its agencies were integrating disability perspectives into all ongoing and future interventions, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN noted that persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure and social protection, despite the existence of policies. It said addressing these challenges required collaborative action and sustained investment.
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“We must work together to dismantle the obstacles that prevent full participation. This day reminds us that inclusion is not an event but a continuous effort that demands policy alignment, adequate resourcing and meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities in decision-making,” it said.
The UN also acknowledged the leadership of OPDs in championing disability rights and called for their greater participation in planning and implementing development programmes.
The organisation said its agencies were integrating disability perspectives into ongoing and future interventions, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the sustainable development goals.
