UN sustainable development goals as it relates to disability

We quite often think of these the sustainable goals as they relate to Advanced Market Multinational Enterprises (AMNE's) and Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises (EMNE's) and the entrance to emerging markets from developed nations.

The sustainable development goals are part of the United Nations initiative to address core global challenges and tend to be focused on climate change, environmental degradation and social inequality with 167 targets with the aspiration of attainment by 2030. With less than a decade to go to achieving these goals it may be surprising much disability inclusion relates.

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being calls for universal coverage of health and rehabilitation and includes mental health services does require specifically addressing the health needs of those with disability.

SDG 4 Quality Education and access to all people including those with the disability for a quality and inclusive education where in emerging markets this is clearly not the case but is also not equitable within first world countries

SDG 8 This work on economic growth in order to have inclusive and sustainable economic growth ensuring that people with disability can fully participate in the labour market is critical. We already know that there is underemployment driven by discrimination or unconscious bias with significantly higher unemployment rates amongst those with disability compared to those who are not

SDG 10 refer specifically to reducing inequalities and reducing disparities experienced by people with disabilities particularly with reference to access to education employment and health

SDG 11 sustainable cities and communities call for accessible inclusive urban environments including transportation and housing which again is not apparent in any part of the world, as someone who travels frequently and consistently comes across barriers and the built environment and access to services and facilities

SDG 17 partnerships were goals calls for collaboration to achieve the SDG's active engagements with organisations who represent people with disabilities and those with disabilities themselves encourages implementation of disability inclusive policies and programs.

There is clearly an ethical case as well as a case for social justice, but increasingly people are aware of the economic case of the underemployment in combination with the Great Resignation and the disparities shown during the Covid 19 pandemic. It would be interesting to see if any organisations are progressing this agenda in relation to the United Nations initiative and share some of the best practices which are happening.

United Nations (2015)?Transforming our world: the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. New York, NY: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

#disabilty #inequality #UN #inclusionanddiversity #inclusion