Beethoven is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in history. Even when he began losing his hearing, he continued to immerse himself in his work.  He created some of the greatest works of music - including his Symphony Number Nine, considered the greatest symphony ever composed - when he was completely deaf.

This is just one example of how persons with disabilities can make lasting and immeasurable contributions to themselves and to society – when given opportunities and support.

2.    Mrs. Chairperson,

Today, 650 million people – or roughly 10 percent of the world’s population -- live with a disability. 

Despite all the progress that has been made educating people across the globe that disability rights are universal rights, a great deal more must be done.  The simple truth is that far too many people still assume that disabled means unable.

That’s the reason why 90 percent of children with disabilities don't attend school in developing countries.  And that’s the reason why women and girls with disabilities are subject to the worst types of discrimination.

The United Nations must be united in ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights and freedoms as everyone else. And step by step, day by day, we are making progress. When it comes to disabilities, there is no rich and poor, no north and south, or east and west, and no Arabs and Jews. It is an issue that transcends geographic, cultural barriers and religious barriers.

3.    Mrs. Chairperson,

The State of Israel was active in drafting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  And now we are active in implementing it both at home and at the international level.  Israel is one of the few countries in the world to establish a commission dedicated to ensuring equal rights for persons with disabilities.  On the international front, Israel is proud to serve on the Bureau of the Convention in 2013-14.

I’m sure it won’t surprise many of you to learn that there are often significant gaps between policy and practice. In fact, major international frameworks like the Millennium Development Goals have largely overlooked the rights of persons with disabilities. 

4.    Mrs. Chairperson,

Jewish tradition teaches of a shared responsibility known in Hebrew as tikkun olam - the obligation of every person to make the world a better place for all human beings.  We believe that while the world was created by God, it is the duty of all people to contribute and improve the world God created.

Guided by this principle, Israel is determined to take a leading role in the implementation of this convention on both a local and international level.  In doing so, we believe that all people will be able to fully achieve their potential. 

5.    Mrs. Chairperson,

Addressing the many challenges requires the efforts of government and civil society actors alike.  Organizations of persons with disabilities play a fundamental role in improving the lives of millions of individuals.  They are taking people out of institutions and helping them adjust to living in communities.  They are ensuring that persons with disabilities receive a fair wage and decent benefits.  And they are providing access to education and training programs that allow persons with disabilities to contribute to society.  Civil society plays a crucial role and we must work with them to help shape the post-2015 development agenda.

We cannot rest until every person with a disability can go to school, apply for a job, and live and work independently in their communities.  Together, let us recommit to building a world free of barriers; a world full of understanding; and a world that provides equal opportunities for every single person.

Thank you, Mrs. Chairperson.