The United Nations has announced the theme for IDPwD 2025. The theme is:
Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
On 3 December 2025, the United Nations will commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This year’s observance builds directly on the momentum of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from 4-6 November 2025, where world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a just, inclusive and equitable world.
A Call to Place Disability Inclusion at the Centre of Social Progress
The Doha Political Declaration reminds the global community that advancing social development is impossible without the full inclusion, participation and leadership of persons with disabilities. Yet, in every region, persons with disabilities continue to face persistent barriers:
- Higher risks of poverty
- Limited access to decent work and lower wages
- Gaps in social protection, especially for those in the informal sector
- Barriers to autonomy, dignity and agency within care and support systems
- Unequal access to assistive technologies and accessible environments
As countries work to accelerate progress on poverty eradication, productive employment, and social inclusion, disability inclusion remains both a precondition and a driver of lasting change.
A Virtual Commemoration Focused on Solutions
The 2025 IDPD commemoration will take place virtually from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (EST) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and will bring together Member States, UN leaders, disability advocates and youth.