On 3 December 2025, the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” The event gathered colleagues from UNON, sister UN Agencies and persons with disabilities within UNON and in Kenya to reflect on progress, share experiences, and promote action toward a more inclusive society under the leadership of the UNON Director-General, USG Zainab Hawa Bangura.
In her keynote address, USG Bangura emphasized: “Inclusion is not charity—it is justice.” She noted that over one billion people worldwide live with disabilities and continue to face barriers that limit their participation in society. She stressed that disability inclusion is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and for building resilient, equitable communities where everyone can contribute.
This year’s IDPD celebration event at UNON also featured moving testimonies from persons living with disabilities. The guest speakers, Ms. Jane Miano, Ms. Susan Kagwiria and David Ndung’u (UNON colleague), shared their personal and professional journeys, highlighting challenges and triumphs of living with disabilities in every-day life including as conference participants. Their stories served as a reminder of the need for greater inclusion and empathy in our societies.
The event included presentations from UNON HR, Facilities and Conference Facilities Project (CFP) representatives who shared the Agency’s efforts towards enhancing accessibility on the UNON Gigiri complex including within conference settings such as step-free designs, intuitive way-finding, inclusive washrooms and an accessibility centre, reasonable workplace accommodations, communication in Braille and sign language, among others.
Participants were encouraged to embed disability inclusion in policies and programmes, invest in accessible infrastructure, and empower persons with disabilities as decision-makers. In closing, USG Bangura reflected on the broader societal benefits of inclusion, noting that empowering persons with disabilities strengthens institutions and enriches communities.
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCAdf