2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in China

Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an Extraordinary Theatrical Journey: "Reversing the Future"

Beijing, 3 December 2023 – The UN Theme Group on Disability (UNTGD), Phoenix Satellite TV, and various partner organizations came together and staged an exceptional celebration for the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The event featured the ground-breaking performance of “Reversing the Future”, China’s first inclusive play co-produced by the Beijing Happy Inclusion Social Work Center and The Pleasure Troupe. It engaged the audience around disability inclusion, while featuring a cast with visual, hearing and physical disabilities. The play challenged stereotypes about disability through a post-nuclear war courtroom trial with enhanced “human augmentation” technology.

Following the performance, a high-level panel discussion took place, exploring the creative concepts behind the play and discussing the issues of accessibility, inclusion, equal participation, law enforcement, and the role of technology. The panel consisted of six distinguished participants, including the drama producer, lead actors, representatives from the UN, organizations of persons with disabilities, and the private sector.

Simultaneously, the photo exhibition "Beyond the ‘disability’ label, we are all wonderfully ordinary!" was unveiled. Curated jointly by UNESCO and UNFPA, this exhibition aimed to challenge stereotypes and showcase the diverse abilities of individuals with disabilities across various professions and life scenarios.

“Tonight’s theatrical performance and photo exhibition showcase the capabilities and creativity of persons with disabilities…By giving voice to the disability community, arts and culture can spark conversation and social transformation.” said UN Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, in his video remarks.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East-Asia underscored that, “On this International Day, let the spirit of this inclusive performance motivate us to rededicate ourselves to "unity in action." Let it compel us to tear down remaining barriers to inclusion and create a world where all persons, in their wondrous diversity, are valued and included.”

Zuogeng LIU, Executive Vice President of Phoenix Media Group, highlighted the responsibility of using media tools to call on society as a whole to pay attention to, respect, and include persons with disabilities. The aim is to ensure equal opportunities for everyone in the process of social development.

Held at the Phoenix Media Center, the event saw the participation of more than 100 representatives from key government institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector. The online recap of the event received widespread engagement and participation.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated annually on December 3 since its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. The day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development, while increasing awareness of their situation in political, social, economic, and cultural life.

The 2023 celebration marks the eighth joint observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities since the establishment of the multi-stakeholder UN Theme Group on Disability in China. Chaired by UNESCO, the UNTGD brings together 160 members from UN agencies and civil society for dialogue and advocacy on the rights of persons with disabilities. In the next two years, UNESCO, UNFPA, and ILO will work together to implement the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) in China with support from the UN Resident Coordinator Office, to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities are fully respected, protected, and fulfilled, and to address issues such as accessibility, education, employment, sexual and reproductive health needs and services.