Today is a very special day. It's a day of celebration for something that's so close to many people's hearts. It is the anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day was first adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. It has become an important global occasion to promote the right of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be accepted and included in society. People with disabilities face many obstacles throughout their lives, from city infrastructure that does not accommodate their needs, to businesses without accessible services, to social attitudes and stereotypes that exclude them. We must fight against these barriers both through policy and education. At the same time, it's important to appreciate the importance of diversity and the many talents and skills that people with disabilities can bring to the world. Events held on this day around the world, from symposiums to film festivals, give us all a chance to celebrate the creativity and achievements of people with disabilities, and to learn about the challenges still faced by many. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be held virtually to recognize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that have disproportionately marginalized people with disabilities. Let's embrace the theme for this year, ‘Not All Disabilities are Visible, to raise awareness of and include all individuals with disabilities, regardless of whether their disability can be seen. Together, we can make the world a more equitable and inclusive place for all.