Report on International Day of Persons with Disabilities Seminar 2022

of innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development, covering in three different interactive dialogues the following thematic topics:
Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment (SDG8): this dialogue will discuss the linkages between employment, knowledge and skills required to access employment in an innovative, rapidly changing technological landscape to all and how assistive technologies can increase accessibility to employment and be mainstreamed in the workplace.

Innovation for disability inclusive development in reducing inequality (SDG10): this dialogue will discuss innovations, practical tools and good practices to reduce inequalities in both public and private sectors, which are disability inclusive and interested in promoting diversity in the workplace.
Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case: a sector where all of these aspects coalesce; sport as a good practice example and a site of innovation, employment and equity

The objective of the symposium is to encourage constructive dialogue between persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, together with national government representatives, as well as UN agencies, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), International NGOs, private sector organizations, among others, in order to have a more inclusive environment for all with the notion of Leaving No One Behind by taking into the account the multidimensional challenges and barriers that have historically left out key groups of persons with disabilities in decision making processes. This is why consultations are crucial as they collect priorities, aspirations and concerns of persons with disabilities .

We all know the government of Bangladesh is highly sensitized about the need for appropriate laws, policies, and plans for advancing education, livelihood, training, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Various measures therefore have been undertaken to meet the needs of people with disabilities. However, there is a lot more to do for us in ensuring the rights of the people with disabilities. The most important task ahead all of us is to ensure an effective implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Rights and Protection Act 2013 and the National Action Plan on Disability to build an ‘Equal Bangladesh’ where people with disabilities will not be left behind.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) programme and Disability Alliance on SDGs Bangladesh have urged the government of Bangladesh for effective implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Rights and Protection Act and the National Action Plan on Disability to ensure people with disabilities can have their equal rights. UNDP SSPS programme and Disability Alliance—a network of 27 national and international organizations working for promoting disability rights in Bangladesh—have made this appeal to the government in a national seminar titled “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world” organized on Sunday 4th Dec 2022 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka. Ms. Zuena Aziz, principal coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister's Office of Bangladesh, attended the Seminar as the chief guest whereas Md Kawser Ahmed, member (Secretary), General Economics Division of the Planning Commission of Bangladesh presided over.