Opening Remarks by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, at the Launch of the Disability Inclusion Working Group

Colleagues and partners,

It is a great honor to welcome you all today to this important gathering. This meeting marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward a more inclusive society and a more inclusive United Nations system in Lebanon.

In 2019, the Secretary-General endorsed the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, reaffirming our commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Building on this global pledge, the UN Country Team in Lebanon developed the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, an initiative designed to integrate disability inclusion into every aspect of our development programmes.

Today, we take another major step forward with the official launch of the Disability Inclusion Working Group. This is not just a technical coordination mechanism, it is a strategic platform that brings together UN agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities, NGOs, and the Government of Lebanon. It reflects our shared belief that OPDs are not only stakeholders to be consulted but key actors of change whose leadership and expertise must guide our efforts.

This initiative also brings together UN agencies with diverse expertise, covering sectors such as health, food security, gender, employment, or education, across both development and humanitarian responses. By combining these strengths, the group will ensure disability inclusion is integrated into all areas of support.

Allow me to thank the co-chairs, ILO, an agency that sets an example for others in working hand in hand with OPDs, and LUPD, for their leadership and dedication in driving progress forward. Membership and chairing will evolve over time, ensuring that this group remains dynamic and representative of all voices.

More broadly, I commend the tireless work of OPDs across the country, often striving to make their voices heard despite limited resources and support. Today is the opportunity to say: we hear you, and we will do better - with you.

I also want to express appreciation to the Ministry of Social Affairs for its leading role within the Lebanese Government in advancing disability inclusion. Your commitment and partnership are essential to making this initiative a success.

This launch comes at a timely moment, just two weeks ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which this year focuses on “fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This theme reminds us that disability inclusion is not only a matter of rights, it is a driver of social and economic progress. When persons with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, and social protection, communities benefit from their skills and contributions, businesses gain from diverse talent, and societies become stronger and more resilient. Inclusion is smart development.

Finally, let me be clear: this Working Group should not only be about plans and structures. It should be about action. I call on all UN agencies to translate our commitments into concrete measures, whether in programming, operations, or communications, so that disability inclusion becomes a reality in every aspect of our work.

Together, we can build a Lebanon where no one is left behind. 

Thank you for being part of this journey.