This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that we need the leadership of persons with disabilities more than ever.

Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world — from conflicts and climate disasters, to poverty and inequalities — because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services.

But they are also often denied their right to contribute to solutions to these crises.

Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the countries of the world committed to correcting this injustice for persons with disabilities of all ages, for present and future generations.

This includes recognizing the essential role of persons with disabilities in shaping the future of digital and assistive technologies — such as those powered by artificial intelligence — driving change across communities, and advocating for their rightful place in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Next year’s World Summit for Social Development will be a key moment to carry these and other commitments forward.

In every community, persons with disabilities are changemakers and peacemakers.

They are also leaders.

On this important day, and every day, let’s work with persons with disabilities to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all people.

q q q

Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable.

But reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services.

Every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV.

One-quarter of people living with HIV — more than nine million people — lack access to lifesaving treatment.

Discriminatory laws, policies and practices punish and stigmatize vulnerable people — especially women, girls and minorities — preventing their access to proven preventions, testing, treatment and care.

This year’s World AIDS Day reminds us the fight against AIDS can be won if leaders take a rights-based approach to ensure that everyone — especially the most vulnerable — can get the services they need without fear.

The inspirational advances made in the global HIV response have been powered by global solidarity and human rights.

We will overcome AIDS if the rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected.

I call on all leaders to heed this year’s theme and take the “rights” path.

(United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2024, and on World AIDS Day on 1 December 2024.)