Mainstreaming Leave No One Behind in India - Reimagining Urban Frameworks from the Lens of Gender and Disability Inclusion

Rapid urbanization exacerbates existing challenges for vulnerable and marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, children, women, the elderly. Accessing essential services, including transportation, sanitation, healthcare, and education, has become increasingly difficult. The strain on urban infrastructure has been further intensified by the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With projections indicating 40% of the population in India will reside in urban areas by 2030, the urgency to address these disparities intensifies.

As we cross the SDGs mid-point and emphasize global collaboration and governance, it becomes imperative to evaluate progress toward human-centric policy formulation and interventions, emphasizing the imperative of ‘Cause No Harm’.

The Government of India has embraced a holistic 'whole of society' approach to development, aligning with the United Nations' objective of fostering inclusive urban strategies under the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle. By integrating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) within the framework of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda, UN India collaborates with several entities to translate global objectives into local realities.

The UNCT India inter-agency Disability Working Group, convened by the RCO, has led efforts to mainstream gender and disability inclusion in SDG 11 implementation by promoting data-driven decision-making, capacity building of state-level functionaries, facilitating meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in policy discussions, and promoting industry, innovation, and investment in Assistive Technology.

The overarching belief driving these efforts is that fostering inclusive urban frameworks requires meaningfully engaging with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and civil society organizations to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the marginalized communities. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates gender and disability considerations into urban policies, programmes, and infrastructure development, cities can become more liveable, resilient, and sustainable for all residents.

Through a moderated panel discussion, the event serves as a platform for UN India and its local implementing partners to share achievements, address challenges, and discuss the way forward for mainstreaming gender and disability inclusion. Moreover, recognizing the multifaceted nature of urban inclusion challenges, the event highlights the power of partnerships in mobilizing resources, expertise, and networks to effect meaningful change on the ground.