Government launches strategy for disability-inclusive development

‘This new strategy will guide our efforts to promote disability-inclusive development cooperation in the coming years. The strategy is in line with the core principle of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind, and with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Norway intends to be at the forefront of efforts to promote disability-inclusive development at the international level,’ said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim. 

More than a billion people live with some form of disability. This represents nearly 15 % of the world’s population. In many countries, persons with disabilities are the most marginalised group. They are poorer than the rest of the population and do not have the same access to health services, education and the labour market. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities.

‘We will do our part to change this situation and will step up our efforts to promote equality and reduce disparities. Change must be locally driven, but rights-based development cooperation will be important to achieve progress. The aim of the strategy is to enable persons with disabilities to participate in society equally and on their own terms, like everyone else,’ Ms Tvinnereim said.  

‘The main focus of the strategy is on changing the way we and our development partners work. We will take a rights-based and inclusive approach in areas such as global education, health, the labour market and climate action. To target our efforts effectively, we will strengthen our partnerships with persons with disabilities and their organisations.’

To ensure that the use of funding provided by Norway can be properly evaluated, the Government will increase the focus on reporting and tracking of efforts, and will work to strengthen the knowledge base. It is essential to obtain better insight into and raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities. Norway will promote efforts at the local level to bring about change in people’s daily lives.

‘The organisations of persons with disabilities and other civil society organisations have provided valuable input to the preparation of the strategy. We look forward to continuing to cooperate with them as we work to translate the strategy into action,’ Ms Tvinnereim said. 

Summary in English

Press contact: Tuva Bogsnes, tuva.bogsnes@mfa.no, mob.: (+47) 93 23 18 83