Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Disability

One billion people i.e. around 15% of the world population are comprised of Persons with Disabilities. This certainly is not an insignificant number. But, people with disabilities face discrimination and exclusion almost on a daily basis. Even the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) did not have any references about PwDs. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), however, aim at bridging this gap with its all-inclusive development targets.

The Universality of Sustainable Development Goals

‘Leave no one behind’ is the overarching principle of the Sustainable Development Goals. All the targets of the 2030 Agenda are universal i.e. they include everybody without an exception. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is one of the guiding frameworks for the implementation of SDGs thus ensuring inclusion and equal participation of PwDs. These global goals have opened doors of opportunities, participation and recognition for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Specific Mention of PwDs in SDGs

Despite stating that the goals are universal, persons with disabilities might have been excluded in implementation. So, while drafting the goals persons with disabilities have been specifically mentioned at several places. Out of 169 targets (segregated in 17 goals), seven targets have an explicit mention of persons with disabilities. SDG number 4, 8, 10, 11 and 17 finds special mention of Persons with Disabilities.

SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

This goal targets on providing equal and accessible education by creating an inclusive learning environment and providing the assistance required by PwDs. It calls for upgrading education facilities and making them gender and disability-sensitive. By removing the barriers it aims at providing lifelong learning opportunities to all including persons with disabilities.

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

The aim is to promote inclusive economic growth by facilitating persons with disabilities with full access to the job market. The global community has to achieve full and productive employment by providing decent work to men and women including those with some disabilities.

SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

The goal focuses on inclusivity. It emphasizes on social, economic and political inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. It strives to reduce the existing inequalities by empowering and promoting those who are in socially, economically and politically disadvantaged positions. This disadvantaged group undoubtedly includes persons with disabilities who are mostly at the lowest rung.

SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe resilient and sustainable

The disability-related target of this SDG is to create accessible infrastructure that is affordable. It aims at providing accessible and sustainable transport systems and universal access to safe and inclusive green public spaces. Removing infrastructure barriers can help persons with disabilities in many ways and make them more self-reliant.

SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

The SDG underlines the importance of the collection of data and monitoring of the impact of other SDGs. It emphasizes on disability-related data too. Based on the disaggregated data about disability, the member states of the UN can be made accountable for including Persons with Disabilities in the schemes designed for implementing SDGs.

We can conclude that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is disability-inclusive. And, the SDGs will improve the lives of Persons with Disabilities for better making the world a more inclusive and sensitive place by 2030.