International Day of Persons with Disabilities
President calls for citizen support, inclusivity for the disabled
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian called on citizens not to divide “people into insiders and outsiders” and pledged that the government would stand “hand in hand” with persons with disabilities and the wider public to improve the country.
He made the remarks at a ceremony in Tehran marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 2, president.ir reported.
Pezeshkian highlighted the determination and creativity of people with disabilities, saying what he witnessed was “a lesson” and reflected the message of a book presented to him, “Bad events are a gold mine.”
He noted that the early days of his administration had been marked by challenges, but adversity revealed opportunities that might otherwise have been overlooked.
He outlined his government’s plan to mobilize citizen capacities through neighborhood-based initiatives, stressing that public participation is key to solving national problems.
“If anyone thinks challenges can be overcome without the support and engagement of the people, they are mistaken,” Pezeshkian said. “By relying on all citizens, regardless of gender, language or ethnicity, no problem is insurmountable.”
The president acknowledged the impact of uneven development and pledged that his administration would focus on balancing opportunities and resources.
He emphasized that improving conditions for people with disabilities is a priority, though the government alone cannot solve all challenges. “With citizens’ participation, we can overcome any difficulty,” he said.
Pezeshkian also praised the involvement of citizens in advancing educational justice. He recounted moving examples, such as a mother who, despite losing her child in an accident and lacking a home, donated compensation to build a school. “If we rely on the people, no challenge is insurmountable,” he added.
Officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare and the State Welfare Organization outlined ongoing programs to enhance accessibility, rehabilitation, and the social participation of persons with disabilities. Pezeshkian described these efforts as evidence of trust in the capacities of disabled citizens and their potential to drive social progress.
During the ceremony, eight individuals with disabilities and several rehabilitation professionals were honored for their contributions. Two awardees shared their experiences of overcoming personal challenges with state support. One presented Pezeshkian with the book that had inspired his earlier remarks.
Pezeshkian said, “We bow before your abilities, and above all, your will and perseverance.” He added that external pressures or attacks could not break a determined nation. “With your support, we stand ready to build our country better and ensure we are never a source of shame to the people,” he said.