What does it mean to Leave No One Behind?
“Leaving No One Behind” – Part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations Member States
“Leaving No One Behind” – Part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations Member States
“There are five key factors to understand who is left behind and why: discrimination, place of residence, socio-economic status, governance, and vulnerability to shocks. The factors can be applied using a three-pronged approach: to examine the disadvantages people face in and across the five factors; empower those who are left behind [or who are at risk of being left behind]; and to enact inclusive, far-sighted, and progressive SDG policies.”
- Source UNDP
Suffering from a disability, Michael was obstinate to overcome his reality, achieve the impossible, and empower those who are left behind, especially people suffering from any form of disability. Michael’s feats were great indicators to communities, societies, and governments that people with disabilities can thrive in communities when given similar advantages and opportunities.
As Michael grew older, he was determined to change his fate !
As Michael grew older, he was determined to change his fate !
All the energy I could muster from my faith and my aspirations for the future, I focused on one goal — to walk. I had to be mobile. I had to be free.
Michael’s biggest feat yet, the Arctic Walk, has not only garnered global attention for its noble cause but has also astounded medical institutions, academic establishments, governments, and nations for the challenges it will impose on Michael. Michael’s physical feats have exceeded expectations and set a new idea of what people with disabilities can achieve with training, hard work, and recognition as an equal, productive, active, and accomplished community member.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 took us by storm in 2019, wreaking havoc on our daily lives worldwide and causing the disruption of the Arctic Walk project. The crisis hit people with disabilities quite hard, as it imposed on them more isolation and detachment.
In response, a series of 'Stepping Ahead of COVID' walks were put into action to promote the second generation of UNDP's COVID-19 response, which advocates for turning the greatest reversal of human development that the world has seen into momentum to "build forward better," towards achieving sustainable development goals.
The walks will initially focus on supporting disability-inclusive recovery and will progressively expand to prioritize sustainable recovery pathways, including green job creation and renewable solutions.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 took us by storm in 2019, wreaking havoc on our daily lives worldwide and causing the disruption of the Arctic Walk project. The crisis hit people with disabilities quite hard, as it imposed on them more isolation and detachment.
In response, a series of 'Stepping Ahead of COVID' walks were put into action to promote the second generation of UNDP's COVID-19 response, which advocates for turning the greatest reversal of human development that the world has seen into momentum to "build forward better," towards achieving sustainable development goals.
The walks will initially focus on supporting disability-inclusive recovery and will progressively expand to prioritize sustainable recovery pathways, including green job creation and renewable solutions.
Turning Promises into Action at the Beirut Public Hospital- Karantina, Lebanon
After the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020, the journey began with UNDP Lebanon, UN Lebanon and Donor Partners to advocate for a long-term and sustainable recovery that takes into account the well-being, rights, and needs of the Karantina community. Almost 9 months after the blast, a visit was organized to the newly established health center where physical & psycho-social therapy clinics were specially established & rehabilitated to cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities and to ensure an inclusive recovery where No One is Left Behind. The Visit was attended by Mrs. Najat Rochdi; Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mrs. Celine Moyroud; UNDP Resident Representative , Mr. Khaled Abdel Shafi; UNDP Manager of the Regional Hub for Arab States, Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Switzerland and EU to Lebanon.
"It’s a dream come true to start seeing fully inclusive facilities in Lebanon, where Persons with Disabilities’ legitimate needs are being met... If we Build Back Better in the right way, it will directly impact communities and bring rewarding results"- Michael Haddad
After the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020, the journey began with UNDP Lebanon, UN Lebanon and Donor Partners to advocate for a long-term and sustainable recovery that takes into account the well-being, rights, and needs of the Karantina community. Almost 9 months after the blast, a visit was organized to the newly established health center where physical & psycho-social therapy clinics were specially established & rehabilitated to cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities and to ensure an inclusive recovery where No One is Left Behind. The Visit was attended by Mrs. Najat Rochdi; Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mrs. Celine Moyroud; UNDP Resident Representative , Mr. Khaled Abdel Shafi; UNDP Manager of the Regional Hub for Arab States, Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Switzerland and EU to Lebanon.
"It’s a dream come true to start seeing fully inclusive facilities in Lebanon, where Persons with Disabilities’ legitimate needs are being met... If we Build Back Better in the right way, it will directly impact communities and bring rewarding results"- Michael Haddad