The following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message for the twenty-sixth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, in New York, today:

I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to the annual New York City Disability Pride Parade. Please accept my best wishes as you celebrate the twenty-sixth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I commend the leading role of New York City in showing the world the pride that people with disabilities have in exercising their civil rights and freedoms.

Worldwide, more than 1 billion people live with disabilities. The United Nations has committed itself since its foundation to the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, of which the United States is a signatory. This Convention and the Americans with Disabilities Act share the same goal of the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in society and bring us together to reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive and accessible environment for all.

New York City has an impressive record of promoting accessibility in transportation, public buildings and services. This makes it possible for people with disabilities from all over the world to participate in international meetings here, contributing to your reputation as an inclusive and vibrant global capital.

As the United States continues to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act, let us continue to take concrete action together for inclusive and accessible societies for all.