‘IDPD’ 2025: FOSTERING INCLUSION, EQUALITY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

 

‘IDPD’ 2025: FOSTERING INCLUSION, EQUALITY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

 

<https://afrihealthcsos.org/2025/12/03/idpd-2025-fostering-inclusion-equality-dignity-justice-and-social-transformation/>

 

A Joint Statement by Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and its Partners:

Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC);

African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO);

Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN);

Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa (CSP-SDGs Africa);

Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND);

Optonet International; and

Afrihealth Information Projects

 

As the world marks the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the global theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and its coalition of partners reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the principles of inclusion, equality, dignity, justice, and social transformation. This day serves as a powerful reminder that a truly progressive and sustainable society cannot be achieved when millions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain excluded from development, health systems, climate action, education, governance, and economic empowerment.

 

Across Africa and the Global South, PWDs continue to face structural barriers—physical, social, institutional, economic, and technological—that limit their participation in community life. These barriers are further compounded by poverty, conflict, discrimination, and climate change impacts which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. AHOA and its partners therefore recognize disability inclusion as both a human rights imperative and a prerequisite for sustainable development, in alignment with the SDGs, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

 

To foster true inclusion, society must move beyond tokenism and commit to systemic transformation. This requires dismantling all forms of discrimination and inequity that prevent PWDs from fully contributing to social progress. It also demands participatory and accountable governance processes where PWDs are not merely beneficiaries but co-creators of policies, programmes, and solutions that affect their lives. The AHOA Global Network and its Partners reaffirm that disability inclusion must be integrated across all sectors—healthcare, climate justice, humanitarian response, education, ICT, employment, energy, and environmental sustainability.

 

As organizations working at the intersection of health, climate change, environment, sustainable development, and community empowerment, we emphasize that inclusive development strengthens resilience. Persons with disabilities bring invaluable knowledge, lived experiences, and leadership that enrich innovation, community adaptation, and social cohesion. When societies make space for everyone, they unlock the full potential of their people.

 

In 2025 and beyond, the AHOA Network and Partners commit to intensifying efforts to:

 

1.      Promote inclusive health systems that ensure equitable access to services, assistive technology, rehabilitation, mental health care, sexual and reproductive health, and universal health coverage (UHC);

 

2.      Integrate disability perspectives into climate action, ensuring that adaptation, mitigation, early warning systems, and disaster risk reduction strategies are accessible and responsive to the needs of PWDs;

 

3.      Strengthen social protection and livelihood opportunities, including entrepreneurship, employability, and community-based support systems;

 

4.      Advance disability rights through advocacy, research, capacity-building, and civic engagement, ensuring that PWDs are represented in local, national, and international decision-making spaces, including climate negotiations and development planning; and

 

5.      Promote accessible technologies, digital inclusion, and disability-friendly infrastructure across communities, workplaces, and public institutions.

 

We call on governments, development partners, private sector actors, civil society, and community leaders to work collaboratively towards a society where every person—regardless of disability status—can live with dignity, exercise their rights, and contribute meaningfully to development. This transformation requires sustained political will, adequate financing, and inclusive policies that reflect the realities of each country’s diverse populations.

 

AHOA and its partners recognize the courage, resilience, and contributions of persons with disabilities across Africa and the world. We honour their leadership and reaffirm our commitment to standing with them in the struggle for justice, equity, and full participation.

 

As we commemorate IDPD 2025, let us remember that:

Inclusion is not a privilege. Inclusion is a right.

Equality is not optional. It is fundamental.

Dignity is not negotiable. It is universal.  

 

Justice is not complete until every individual is empowered to thrive.

 

Together, let us foster a society where no one is left behind and where disability inclusion becomes the engine of true social transformation.

 

Signed:

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, DDP, CMC, CMTF, FIMC, FIMS, FNAE, FASI, FSEE, FAHOA, FICSA

<https://druzoadiriejefoundation.blogspot.com/2024/07/cv-of-dr-uzodinma-adirieje-february-2024.html>

Health Economist; Certified Evaluation and Projects/Programmes Management Consultant; Conferences and Workshops Organizing Expert; Researcher; Health/Development, Climate Change/Biodiversity and Human Rights Advocate; Facilitator/Trainer; Blogger; Writer/Columnist

CEO and Permanent Representative to the United Nations,

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) - CSOs Global Network and Think-tank for Health, Climate Actions and Development (Winner of the SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing Champion Award). 

<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-association_15.html>

National Coordinator,

Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa (CSP-SDGs Africa)

Abuja, Nigeria

3^rd December 2025