A/RES/48/97 Page 2 Bearing in mind that the purpose of the World Programme of Action is to promote effective measures for the prevention of disability, for rehabilitation and the realization of the goals of full participation of disabled persons in social life and development and of equality, which means opportunities equal to those of the entire population and an equal share in the improvement in living conditions resulting from social and economic development, 1. Takes note with satisfaction of the number of Member States that celebrated the first International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December 1992; 2. Appeals to all Governments to observe the International Day of Disabled Persons, using this opportunity to take the lead in awakening the consciousness of populations regarding the gains to be derived by individuals and society from the integration of disabled persons into every area of social, economic and political life; 3. Reiterates the need to involve disabled persons and their organizations in decisions on all matters of concern to them, including the celebration of the International Day of Disabled Persons; 4. Invites Member States to consider a way of linking, each year, the observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons with important United Nations events such as the World Conference on Human Rights, held at Vienna from 14 to 25 June 1993, the International Year of the Family, to be observed in 1994, the International Conference on Population and Development, to be held at Cairo from 5 to 13 September 1994, the World Summit for Social Development, to be held at Copenhagen on 11 and 12 March 1995, and the Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace, to be held at Beijing from 4 to 15 September 1995; 5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Commission for Social Development at its thirty-fourth session on measures taken by Member States to observe the International Day of Disabled Persons. 85th plenary meeting 20 December 1993