Indian Para athlete and disability advocate Suvarna Raj has been honored with the 2024 UN SDG Action Award in the Changemaker category.
Suvarna Raj, who received the award in Rome on October 29, was acknowledged for her relentless advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, influencing inclusive policies, and championing accessible elections in India.
As a prominent disability advocate, Suvarna has made significant strides in driving systemic change.
She played a key role in supporting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the Mental Health Bill in India, which aim to enhance legal protections and support for disabled persons.
Additionally, as an ambassador for the Election Commission of India, Suvarna has promoted the importance of accessible elections to ensure that all citizens can participate in the democratic process.
“Being an international Para athlete put me in a position where I could raise a voice for persons with disabilities,” she said during her acceptance speech. Expressing her gratitude, she added, “Thank you, UN SDG Award. This is a collective victory for all persons with disabilities.”
Reflecting on the honor, Suvarna shared on social media, “I’m incredibly honored to receive the UN SDG Action Award 2024 as a Changemaker. This award is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and collective action in creating an inclusive society.”
The award ceremony in Rome featured Jessica Smith, an Australian Paralympian and children’s author, who served as one of the 30 judges for the awards. Smith shared her journey in Para sports and her commitment to social change, saying, “The Paralympic Games stand as a testament to the power of diversity and human achievement in the face of challenges.”
The UN SDG Action Awards celebrate individuals and organizations worldwide who work toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing efforts that inspire positive change across communities.
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