Article
Empowering Diversity: Inclusive Education as a Catalyst for Change
New York, 13 June 2023: In a bid to champion the cause of inclusive education and its pivotal role in promoting human rights and sustainable development, a side event titled "Inclusive Education: an imperative for advancing human rights and sustainable development" was jointly organized by UNESCO, , and the and Colombia to the United Nations. The event, held on the margins of the 16th session of the UN , aimed to raise awareness and highlight the significance of inclusive education in empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring their complete integration into society.
Moderated Ms. Connie Laurin-Bowie, Executive Director at , the opening segment featured Ms. Estelle Zadra, Liaison Officer at the UNESCO Office in New York, and .
Drawing attention to the need for safe environments for children with disabilities, the representatives from UNESCO emphasized the importance of inclusive education systems. Referring to the , where UN Member States committed to transforming education, it was noted that 87% of these commitments highlighted the necessity of addressing the needs of vulnerable learners and ensuring more inclusive educational opportunities.
Mrs. Zadra passionately invoked the essence of the , “Those with special educational needs must have access to regular schools which should accommodate them within a child- centered pedagogy capable of meeting these needs” emphasizing the urgent need to develop and implement inclusive educational policies that uphold equal opportunities for all learners, with a particular focus on those with disabilities. Her words rang with the power of conviction, a call to action for the transformation of educational systems to embrace the wide diversity of learners.
H.E. Ms. Ana Sofia Antunes seized the moment to shine a spotlight on Portugal's journey toward inclusive education. She celebrated the progress made between 2008 and 2018, while also recognizing the importance of continuously improving systems to recognize the competencies of every child. Her words stirred hope, a testament to the power of policy and implementation working in tandem to create an inclusive and empowering educational landscape.
During the interactive panel discussion, a powerful video presentation by Mr. Danny Dickson and Ms. Stephanie Gotlib. Stephanie shared her son Adam's story —a child with autism and intellectual disability. Adam's joy at the local preschool, where his diversity was celebrated, turned into a challenging ordeal when he was compelled to join a segregated education center. Unfortunately, the new educational setting failed to provide the appropriate support and understanding, underscoring the need for mandatory inclusive education training for teachers to prevent such experiences and ensure every child receives the support they rightfully deserve.
Ms. Daniela Gissara, Assistant Director of International , and Ms. Ruchi Singh, from Disability Inclusive Education at the , stepped forward to stress the importance of prioritizing scalable models of inclusive education and asked how can the teacher create classroom where every children belongs, highlighting Brazil’s success story. Echoing the intervention MS. Singh shared World Bank's innovative approach to inclusive education as effective mechanisms for moving forward and ensuring that every child has the fundamental right to learn.
Representing the , Mrs. Diane Richler emphasized the critical distinction between integration and inclusion, highlighting that mere enrollment of children with disabilities in school falls short if they experience segregation. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for ensuring equal access to curriculum and teaching, Arlene B. Tickner, Colombia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UNs, echoed this sentiment and emphasized the urgent need for mandatory inclusive education training for teachers before they enter the profession.
In conclusion, Mr. Danny Dickson stressed the importance of access to information, support, and inclusive education experiences for children with disabilities. He emphasized the need to advocate for their rights, end segregated education, provide equal opportunities and curriculum, and ensure their right to learn like everyone else.
The event served as a reminder of the transformative power of inclusive education and the collective effort required to create an inclusive and empowering educational environment for all.
