On June 5, 2025, the United Nations hosted a pivotal online conference on disability rights, just days before the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18), scheduled for June 10-12 in New York. Among the speakers was Joey, a disability rights advocate whose powerful words resonated across the globe: “We don’t need pity, we need opportunity.” This statement, delivered with unwavering conviction, quickly became a rallying cry, widely quoted by international media and sparking renewed conversations about the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all facets of society.

Setting the Stage: A Global Call for Inclusion

The United Nations has long been a platform for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006. The CRPD, which has been ratified by 192 states as of April 2025, emphasizes the need for equal opportunities, accessibility, and inclusion. The online conference on June 5 was part of a series of events leading up to COSP18, which focuses on “Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the World Social Summit.”

The virtual format of the conference ensured broader participation, with delegates, advocates, and experts from over 160 countries joining the discussion. The event came at a critical juncture, following the third Global Disability Summit in Berlin in April 2025, where over 4,700 participants reaffirmed their commitment to disability-inclusive development. Joey’s speech, delivered from his home via video link, stood out as a defining moment of the conference, capturing the essence of the disability rights movement’s current demands.

Who is Joey? A Voice for the Voiceless

Joey, a 32-year-old advocate, has been a prominent figure in the disability rights community for over a decade. Born with cerebral palsy, Joey has navigated a world often designed without people like him in mind. Despite the challenges, he has become a powerful voice for change, working with grassroots organizations to push for better accessibility, education, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. His journey from a small town to the global stage of the United Nations is a testament to his resilience and determination.

Joey’s advocacy began in his early twenties when he noticed the stark disparities in how society treated people with disabilities. “I was tired of being seen as a burden or an inspiration just for existing,” he shared in an interview prior to the conference. “I wanted to be seen as a person with dreams, skills, and the ability to contribute.” Over the years, Joey has collaborated with organizations like the International Disability Alliance and local groups to advocate for systemic change, focusing on employment equity and accessible infrastructure.

The Speech That Echoed Around the World

The online conference, moderated by a UN official, featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including policymakers, academics, and activists. Joey was invited to speak as a representative of the global disability community, bringing a lived-experience perspective to the discussion. As the session progressed, his speech became the highlight, striking a chord with listeners worldwide.

Standing in front of a simple backdrop, Joey began his address with a quiet intensity. “For too long, persons with disabilities have been viewed through a lens of pity,” he said, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. “We are not here to be your charity cases. We are not here to make you feel better about yourselves. We don’t need pity—we need opportunity.”

The statement, delivered with raw honesty, cut through the formal tone of the conference. Joey went on to highlight the systemic barriers that continue to hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in society. He spoke of the lack of accessible workplaces, the digital divide that excludes many from online opportunities, and the societal attitudes that often reduce people with disabilities to their impairments rather than recognizing their potential.

“Opportunity means giving us the tools to succeed,” Joey continued. “It means accessible education, fair employment practices, and technology that includes us, not excludes us. It means listening to our voices and involving us in decisions that affect our lives. We are not asking for handouts—we are asking for a level playing field.”

Joey also drew attention to the economic benefits of inclusion, echoing findings from the International Labour Organization that excluding people with disabilities can cost countries up to 7% of their GDP. “Inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative,” he said. “It’s a smart investment in our shared future.”

A Global Response: Media and Public Reaction

Joey’s words quickly spread beyond the virtual walls of the conference. Within hours, major news outlets, including BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, had picked up his quote, “We don’t need pity, we need opportunity,” featuring it in headlines and editorials. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions, with the hashtag #OpportunityNotPity trending globally. Disability rights activists and organizations amplified Joey’s message, sharing clips of his speech and calling for action from governments and the private sector.

On X, a user wrote, “Joey’s speech at the UN today was a wake-up call. It’s time we stop patronizing people with disabilities and start empowering them. #OpportunityNotPity.” Another user shared, “As someone with a disability, I felt seen and heard for the first time in a long while. Thank you, Joey, for speaking our truth.”

The international media’s focus on Joey’s speech also brought renewed attention to the upcoming COSP18, where delegates will discuss key issues like digital accessibility, access to sexual and reproductive health services, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Joey’s words set a powerful tone for these discussions, reminding participants of the urgency and importance of their work.

The Broader Context: Disability Rights in 2025

Joey’s speech comes at a time when the global disability rights movement is gaining momentum. The CRPD, now in its 19th year, has driven significant progress, with 92% of state parties adopting national disability laws and over 60% taking steps to combat labor market discrimination. However, challenges remain. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted in a previous address, “We have a long way to go in changing mindsets, laws, and policies to ensure the rights, opportunity, and dignity for persons with disabilities around the world.”

The digital divide, a key issue highlighted by Joey, remains a significant barrier. While technology has the potential to promote inclusion, over 1 billion people globally require assistive technology that is often inaccessible, particularly in low-income countries. Additionally, societal attitudes continue to lag behind legislative progress, with many persons with disabilities still facing stigma and exclusion.

Joey’s call for opportunity over pity aligns with the CRPD’s core principles, which emphasize the need for states to provide support to ensure rights can be practiced. His speech also echoes the sentiments of other advocates, such as Nujeen Mustafa, a young refugee with cerebral palsy who spoke at the UN in 2019, urging the international community to ensure that “no one left behind” is more than just a slogan.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of Joey’s Words

Joey’s speech has already begun to influence the discourse on disability rights. Several delegates at the conference referenced his words in their own remarks, signaling a shift toward more action-oriented discussions. Advocacy groups have seized the moment to push for concrete commitments at COSP18, including increased funding for accessible technology and stronger policies to ensure workplace inclusion.

For Joey, the impact of his speech is both humbling and motivating. “I didn’t expect my words to resonate so widely,” he said in a follow-up statement. “But I hope this is just the beginning. We need to keep pushing for change, for real opportunities, and for a world where people with disabilities are valued for what they can do, not pitied for what they can’t.”

As the world looks toward COSP18 and beyond, Joey’s message serves as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. The disability rights movement is not about seeking sympathy—it’s about demanding equity, inclusion, and the chance to thrive. In Joey’s own words, “We don’t need pity, we need opportunity.” And with voices like his leading the way, the global community may finally be ready to listen—and act.