UN in Zambia doubles down on disability inclusion

Around the world, an estimated 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability today. In Zambia, persons with disabilities make up nearly 11 per cent of the population. Facing discrimination and lack of opportunity, many Zambians with disabilities are systematically excluded from access to services and places, legal aid, healthcare and more. Often, these disparities are sharper in rural settings with a greater lack of infrastructure, investments and institutional support.

In a groundbreaking move, Zambia is taking strides to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by placing inclusivity at the heart of its national development agenda. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the principle of Leave No One Behind, the country's blueprint for development, the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), embraces a multi-dimensional approach to development that goes beyond solely focusing on economic growth.

It aims to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion by ensuring that economic growth is equitable and benefits all segments of society, especially marginalized and vulnerable populations. 
Zambia recognizes that inclusive development is crucial for sustainable growth and poverty reduction. The government acknowledges that leaving no one behind implies reaching the poorest, most marginalized, and hardest-to-reach populations in the country.

The 8NDP notes the importance of social development, human rights, and environmental sustainability, which are all key pillars of the SDGs. By addressing these dimensions, Zambia aims to create an enabling environment that promotes equality, justice, and well-being for all its citizens.

The UN Country Team in Zambia, under the leadership of Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali, is committed to ensuring disability inclusion—not just as an ideal but as an everyday practice guiding the UN’s versatile support to the country.

Speaking about the UN’s vision, the Resident Coordinator said, "Disability inclusion enables persons with disabilities to engage actively, empowers them to advocate for their rights, informs policymakers about their unique challenges, promotes universal design principles, and fosters collaboration among different sectors. By embracing accessibility and inclusivity, we can work together towards achieving the vision of a sustainable world where no one is left behind."

Inclusion starts at the highest levels with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027. This blueprint of the UN’s support for Zambia’s long-term development vision substantially addresses the needs of people with disabilities and is focused on eliminating barriers that hinder their full participation in society.

The Cooperation Framework and some of the UN’s targeted interventions through it focus on various social protection programmes, including cash transfer schemes, to provide a safety net for the poorest and most vulnerable households. In partnership with the Government of Zambia and cooperating partners, the UN is supporting the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Social Protection Phase II, Scaling Up Nutrition II, GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Gender-Based Violence Phase II, UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS, Ending Child Marriage, Gender Equality and Women’s Participation, Children on the Move and Zambia Multisectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project. These initiatives aim to address the specific needs and challenges faced by marginalized groups and ensure their inclusion in the development process and eliminate barriers to their full participation in society. 

Demonstrating this commitment in action, the UN in Zambia has, for the first time, produced disability-friendly and accessible formats of the Cooperation Framework, including Braille, sign language, audio and easy-to-read tools, in collaboration with the government, other UN entities, civil society and disability advocates. This was a crucial step in informing persons with disabilities of their equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for contributing to sustainable development. Moreover, it also helps put the onus on policymakers and cooperating partners to gain a deeper understanding of the unique barriers and challenges faced by persons with disabilities and to assist them in developing inclusive policies and programmes.

With coordinated efforts and joint initiatives, the UN in Zambia has set a precedent for empowering people with disabilities and encouraging their active participation in decision-making processes, policy discussions, and development initiatives. This approach aims to enable people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to society and live a life of dignity and equal opportunities, which in turn paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Zambia.   

To learn more about the work of the UN in Zambia visit zambia.un.org.