During the UN Summer Summit in 2000 189 world leaders agreed to eradicate the most important problems the world is confronted with by 2015. 8 tangible objectives were formulated as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs weren’t a novelty as such but so far the efforts undertaken in the past lacked coordination and an underlying plan. In 2000 the international community reached a consensus about the time frame and the targets of this unique challenge.

The targets:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a Global Partnership for Development

Analyzing the content of the Millennium Development Goals it quickly becomes clear one target group is most invisible; persons with disabilities. Within the theoretical framework of the MDGs there’s no mentioning of this specific target group in the objectives, the indicators nor in the strategy and implementation plans. Up until today persons with disabilities, or their representing organizations, are not invited to take part in the entirety of the MGDs process.

International agencies, donors, policy makers and other actors hold the opinion disability is nothing more than a medical condition, hence needing nothing more than a medical solution. However, like gender and environment, disability is a crosscutting theme that needs to be incorporated in the thinking processes about the MDGs right from the start.

To realize full participation of persons with disabilities in all sectors and levels of society, one must not only focus on the specific needs of this group but above all, tackle the social aspects linked with exclusion and disability.

Persons with disabilities should enjoy and be given the same opportunities for personal development and participation as others. A goal only to be achieved when development cooperation is built upon the principles of a human rights perspective. Development cooperation should guarantee diversity at every level, take into account the special needs and wishes of persons with disabilities and offer them the opportunities to claim and act upon their right of participation. This represents a vital condition for the realization of the MGDs.