United Nations in Vienna Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities

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Vienna, Austria, 3 December 2024 – The United Nations Disability Inclusion Network (DIN) successfully organized a two-part celebration for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) on 3 December 2024. This annual observance highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility while showcasing success stories and ongoing efforts to empower persons with disabilities.

Part I: Round Table Discussions

The morning commenced with insightful roundtable discussions, during which individuals and organizations advocating for disability rights and inclusion shared inspiring success stories. This session underscored the importance of collaboration and innovative practices in creating equitable opportunities for all.

Part II: Programme at the VIC Rotunda

The afternoon program at the VIC Rotunda featured a distinguished lineup of high-level speakers from international organizations, diplomatic missions, and advocacy groups, including:

Director General Müller, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Video Message from Director General Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Video Message from Executive Secretary Floyd, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
Ambassador Peter Potman, Zero Project Ambassadors’ Circle
Anne Kemppainen, Head of UN Section, Delegation of the European Union to the International Organizations
Secretary General Martin Fritz, Austrian Commission for UNESCO
Director Ann de la Roche, United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)
Director Martin Nesirky, United Nations Information Service (UNIS)
Professor Erich Schmid, Vice President of the Austrian Disability Council (Österreichischer Behindertenrat)

Focus on Inclusion and Empowerment

Speakers emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of inclusion, breaking barriers, and driving systemic change to ensure full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of society. Highlights included discussions on technological innovations, inclusive policies, and the vital role of international cooperation in promoting disability rights.

The video messages from IAEA Director General Grossi and CTBTO Executive Secretary Floyd expressed solidarity and reinforced the United Nations’ commitment to accessibility and empowerment as a collective responsibility.

Looking Ahead

This year’s celebration reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to advancing disability inclusion within its systems and beyond. The United Nations Disability Inclusion Network, an initiative deeply committed to fostering awareness and advocacy, continues to champion efforts to build an accessible and inclusive future for all.

UN Disability Inclusion Network (DIN)

DIN is a group of UN personnel who have experience with disabilities or want to learn more about disability inclusion (e.g., colleagues with disabilities, colleagues with family members with disabilities) among the Vienna-based UN organizations.

For more information on the Disability Inclusion Network and its initiatives, visit DIN’s official webpage or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter (@un_vic_disabil). To learn more and participate in meetings and events, write to: office@undin.org.

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About the Author

Maria Zelda “Marizel” ROJAS is a board member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Alternate Bazaar Chairperson 2024 of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) and 1^st Vice President-Elect for the UNWG Board 2025. She is also the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria), Board Member of ENFiD, President of Bikol Society Austria (BSA), Founder and former president of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and Former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Councillor and Liaison for the Philippines of the European Police Association (EPA) and Auditor of the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC). She is a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) and received the Most Influential Filipina Women in the WorldTM (Global FWN100™) “Behind the Scenes” award in 2019.