- Advertisement -
HYDERABAD, Nov 06 (APP):The National Disability and Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan emphasized that the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities was central to the successful implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on this occasion, Abid Lashari, President NDF Pakistan, highlighted that sustainable development cannot be achieved if persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and accessibility.
During his participation in SDPI’s 28th Sustainable Development Conference 2025 organized by UN ESCAP here Thursday, he said that persons with disabilities (PWDs) represent nearly 15 percent of the world’s population, making inclusion not only a human rights responsibility but also a critical developmental priority. “The SDGs are based on the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’. We must ensure equal opportunities, participation, and accessibility to fulfill this global commitment,” he added.
Lashari further noted that disability should not be seen as a charity or welfare issue, rather, it was a matter of dignity, equality, and social justice. Empowering persons with disabilities enhances social cohesion, strengthens communities and contributes to economic growth by promoting equal access to skills development and decent work opportunities, he said.
He urged government institutions, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector to adopt inclusive policies, invest in rehabilitation services, create accessible infrastructure, and promote the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes at all levels.
“The journey toward the SDGs will remain incomplete if persons with disabilities are excluded,” Mr. Lashari concluded. “We must move from awareness to action — from commitment to implementation.”