International Day of Persons with Disabilities

This session will provide a deep dive into the findings of ATscale's recently published Technical Report on Assistive Technology and International Trade. This first-of-its-kind report presents comprehensive data on current trends, systemic challenges, and policy recommendations, featuring specific case studies from select African countries. As the global community marks the 20th anniversary of the CRPD, this session aligns with the overarching theme of "consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation." Specifically, it supports Sub-theme 2: Resilient societies: strengthening care and support systems to ensure the empowerment, autonomy and independence of all persons with disabilities. Assistive technology is a fundamental prerequisite for the realization of rights under the CRPD. By addressing the structural barriers in international trade and identifying innovative financing mechanisms, this session aims to shape a more resilient global infrastr...

The 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (#COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme: CRPD at 20 - Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world. Interactive Dialogue among States Parties, the United Nations system and other stakeholders on Implementation of the Convention between States Parties and the UN System Decisions by the Conference of States Parties Closure of the session ** The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon its 20th ratification. The CRPD is a legally-binding agreement between Member States who have signed the Convention to uphold, promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities as defined in the treaty. Article 40 of the ...

This high-level side event, organized jointly by the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa, launches the revised United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS 2.0). It will convene stakeholders from across the United Nations system, Member States, and organizations of persons with disabilities to articulate a shared vision for advancing disability inclusion in the next phase of UNDIS implementation during 2026–2030. Related Sites and Documents:  Concept note . Watch UNDIS 2.0: Celebrating Progress, Accelerating Action on Disability Inclusion across the United Nations (COSP19 Side Event)! 01:30:59 Side Events

This side event, hosted by Ireland, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, the World Health Organization, and the International Disability Alliance, aims to share country experiences and best practises of using the assistive technology Data Toolkit, including key findings, lessons learned and insights from lived experiences. Assistive technology (AT) encompasses assistive products and their related systems and services. Assistive products include a broad spectrum of devices that enable function and ensure quality access and use - including simple products such as walking aids and reading glasses through to more complex products such as wheelchairs, low-vision aids and digital communication aids. Timely and consistent access to assistive technology throughout the lives of persons with disabilities can have a transformative impact in enhancing participation, inclusion, health and well-being, making it a key enabling factor in ensuring that the rights set out in the Convention on the Rights of Persons wit...

This side event marks the 10th anniversary of the recognition of Maltese Sign Language and the 20th anniversary of the CRPD. Ten years from the passage of the Maltese Sign Language Recognition Act in 2016, we celebrate and focus on consolidating achievements, as a means of shaping the next phase of implementation of the CRPD. Malta wishes to do this in the spirit of this year's CoSP, alongside Deaf activists and allies from around the globe. Coordinated by the Deaf-led Sign Language Council of Malta (KLSM), the side event will highlight Malta's progress in legal recognition of sign language, community-led policy development, professionalization of sign language interpreting and accessibility as a human right. Aside from exploring the structured collaboration between local actors such as the Deaf community, interpreters and service providers, the event will also showcase best practices and challenges through the interventions of Deaf colleagues from different countries, while ...

Twenty years after the adoption of the CRPD, financing remains one of the most decisive conditions for moving from legal harmonization and policy commitments to implementation at scale. While many States have adopted disability laws, policies and action plans, translating these commitments into sustained, adequate and better-coordinated investment remains a major challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Opening remarks H.E. Mr. Keo Chhea, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United Nations H.E Waleed Obeidat, Ambassador and Permanent representative of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations (TBC) Astrid Harnisch, Senior Policy Advisor, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Federal Republic of Germany Presentations and speakers Overview of domestic and international public financing for disability inclusion Alexandre Cote, Disability Policy and Systems Specialist - UNICEF Key findings from analytic...

Twenty years after the adoption of the CRPD, financing remains one of the most decisive conditions for moving from legal harmonization and policy commitments to implementation at scale . While many States have adopted disability laws, policies and action plans, translating these commitments into sustained, adequate and better-coordinated investment remains a major challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Opening remarks H.E. Mr. Keo Chhea, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United Nations H.E Waleed Obeidat, Ambassador and Permanent representative of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations (TBC) Astrid Harnisch, Senior Policy Advisor, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Federal Republic of Germany Presentations and speakers Overview of domestic and international public financing for disability inclusion Alexandre Cote, Disability Policy and Systems Specialist - UNICEF Key findings from analyti...

   Upholding the Rights of Marginalized Groups of Persons with Disabilities, Including Women with Disabilities, Underrepresented Groups, and Intersectional Identities. The side event "Upholding the Rights of marginalized groups of persons with disabilities including women with disabilities, underrepresented groups and intersectional identities" aims to: 1. To highlight the specific human rights challenges faced by, marginalized groups of persons with disabilities including women with disabilities and persons with psychosocial disabilities and persons from other intersectional identities. 2. To examine the intersectional nature of discrimination, including the combined effects of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, migration and social status. 3. To discuss good practices and policy approaches that promote realization of human rights and prevent violence and discrimination experienced by marginalized disability groups and discrimination experienced by marginalized disability g...

This side-event will provide an opportunity for Timor-Leste to present its policies and initiatives for the implementation of the CRPD, and to share experiences, progress, challenges and lessons learned. It will also provide an update on the preparation of Timor-Leste's initial report under the Convention and highlight the importance of continued engagement with Member States to support effective implementation and cooperation. This integrated event will provide information and commitment through and integrated questions and discussions from other countries participating in the side event. This will also provide an opportunity for Timor-Leste to improve action plan and ensure the implementation of policies. Participants of this event will be approximately around 70 from different countries including policy makers, workers, agencies, educators, youth representatives, the media, civil society and various parties. Related Sites and Documents:  Invitation . Watch the Government Polic...

This side event will mark the 20th anniversary of the CRPD and the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention by examining whether States Parties have fulfilled their obligations to protect and ensure the safety of displaced persons with disabilities. It will provide a space to reflect on both progress and persistent gaps in implementing the CRPD in situations of forced displacement, including how well displaced persons with disabilities are being included and their rights safeguarded. Through keynote remarks, expert reflections, and a diverse panel, the event will highlight good practices and missed opportunities from different regions, and will focus on developing concrete, realistic recommendations to strengthen CRPD implementation in the context of growing conflicts, reduced funding, and increasing restrictions on migrant rights. Watch the CRPD and Refugee Rights: Have Parties fulfilled their obligations to ensure protection and safety for displaced persons with disabilities? (CO...

   The 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (#COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme: CRPD at 20 - Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world. Roundtable 2: Resilient societies: strengthening care and support systems to ensure the empowerment, autonomy and independence of all persons with disabilities ** The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon its 20th ratification. The CRPD is a legally-binding agreement between Member States who have signed the Convention to uphold, promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities as defined in the treaty. Article 40 of the CRPD stipulates that States Parties (signatories to the Convention) ...

Inclusive Sport Diplomacy: building international cooperation through Progetto Filippide experience Watch Inclusive Sport Diplomacy: building international cooperation through Progetto Filippide experience (COSP19 Side Event)! 01:32:34 Side Events

The 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (#COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme: CRPD at 20 - Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world. Roundtable 2: Resilient societies: strengthening care and support systems to ensure the empowerment, autonomy and independence of all persons with disabilities ** The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon its 20th ratification. The CRPD is a legally-binding agreement between Member States who have signed the Convention to uphold, promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities as defined in the treaty. Article 40 of the CRPD stipulates that States Parties (signatories to the Convention) shall meet...

This side event will highlight the importance of family-based early intervention systems for children with developmental risks or disabilities , and will contribute to the exchange of policy approaches and implementation experiences in this field. Additionally, it will address the impact of early intervention on child development, the role of families and caregivers in the process, and the need to strengthen the capacities of institutions and professionals in delivering early intervention services. It will also provide a platform for discussion on multi-sectoral cooperation, good practices, and scaling up of the implementation for strengthening early intervention systems. In this regard, the discussion at the side event is expected to be guided by the following questions: How can early intervention systems be strengthened for children with developmental risks or disabilities? How can the active participation of families and caregivers in early intervention processes be effectively s...

This event will discuss the challenges and the opportunities of strengthened participation of persons with disabilities in peace processes. With insights from the UN system, civil society organizations and the UN Member States, the event seeks to provide best practices and recommendations for more inclusive—and therefore more sustainable—peace processes. Related Sites and Documents:  Concept Note . Watch the Sustainable Peace is Inclusive: Persons with Disabilities as Contributors to Peace Processes (COSP19 Side Event)! 01:30:25 Side Events

This side event will showcase international best practices in disability-inclusive social protection and employment policies and identify effective policy tools that, for example, aim to reduce poverty, remove disincentives to work, and support sustainable employment outcomes for persons with disabilities. Globally, persons with disabilities continue to face disproportionately high rates of poverty and exclusion from the labour market, despite international commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The current global context of rapid technology change, climate change, and sectoral shifts are reshaping the labour market. These shifts can make it harder for persons with disabilities to attain economic and social inclusion. The 2023 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development culminated in the adoption of a political declaration reaffirming world leaders' commitment to achieving the 17 go...

Hosted by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, PWDA, WWDA, IDA, GDF and WHO Disability Health Equity Network, this side event will explore effective co-design with people with disability in all our diversity. Article 4(3) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) requires States Parties to closely consult with and actively involve people with disability in developing laws and policies that implement the CRPD. In practice, this is commonly referred to as 'co-design'. This side event will examine what effective co-design looks like in action and how inclusive participation can be ensured for all people with disability. It will address civic engagement, leadership and intersectionality, fitting with COSP19's third sub-theme concerning civic engagement and leadership. COSP19 will focus on celebrating COSP's achievements over the past 20 years and shaping the next phase of implementation. During the past 20 years,...

   This side event will focus on deinstitutionalisation as a fundamental component of the implementation of the right to independent living and inclusion in the community , as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Despite the obligations arising from the CRPD, many persons with disabilities continue to face structural barriers to community inclusion, including continued reliance on institutional forms of care and insufficient community-based support systems. The event will explore current standards, challenges and developments related to deinstitutionalisation and independent living, drawing on perspectives from international and national human rights actors. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Independent Monitoring Mechanisms established under Article 33(2) CRPD, organisations of persons with disabilities, United Nations mechanisms and regional human rights networks, such as the European Network of National ...

The 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (#COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme: CRPD at 20 - Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world. Roundtable 1: Creating a world free from exploitation, violence and abuse for all persons with disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon its 20th ratification. The CRPD is a legally-binding agreement between Member States who have signed the Convention to uphold, promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities as defined in the treaty. Article 40 of the CRPD stipulates that States Parties (signatories to the Convention) shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties (COSP) to...

The discussion will explore how education systems can be strengthened to deliver inclusive learning for all , particularly in the context of global challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and protracted crises. This 75-minute session, co-organized by Kenya, Rehabilitation International and UNESCO in cooperation with the Global Partnership for Education and the Group of Friends for Education, will bring together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities to reflect on key lessons from the past 20 years and to identify actionable priorities for advancing disability-inclusive education . Watch advancing Disability-Inclusive Education: From Commitment to Transformation (COSP19 Side Event!) Side Events

Promoting the active participation and representation of young people with disabilities in civic engagement, public and political life Watch the representation that Matters: Enhancing Active Citizenships for Young People with Disabilities (COSP19 Side Event)! Side Events

The 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (#COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme: CRPD at 20 - Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world. Election of the members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, (continued if needed) Matters related to the implementation of the Convention: general debate (continued) ** The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon its 20th ratification. The CRPD is a legally-binding agreement between Member States who have signed the Convention to uphold, promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities as defined in the treaty. Article 40 of the CRPD stipulates that States Parties (signatorie...

Watch the role of the private sector in creating inclusive care and support for persons with disabilities (COSP19 Side Event)! Side Events

This side event will bring together governments, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), UN agencies and partners to explore emerging priorities for the Global Disability Summit. As the international community looks ahead to the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2028, there is a growing focus on defining the next phase of global disability inclusion and strengthening systems that deliver meaningful change in everyday life for persons with disabilities and their families. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), this moment provides an important opportunity to take stock of progress and shape future priorities. Discussions will focus on key areas shaping future action, including inclusive technology and artificial intelligence, pathways for economic participation across the life course —from learning to earning—health equity and integrated care systems, and strengthening inclusive policies, data systems and financing fr...

Supported decision-making of persons with disabilities – Best practices of legislative reforms and delivery of support services at international level. Supported decision-making, as enshrined in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), is fundamental to ensuring the autonomy, dignity, full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society. At its core, it recognizes that all individuals have the right to make decisions about their own lives and to be provided with the necessary support to do so. Effective support frameworks must be grounded in principles of respect, empowerment, and self-determination, enabling individuals to access information in alternative communication forms, understand available options, and make free and informed choices, determining their own lives. By placing the person at the center of the decision-making process, supported decision-making shifts away from substitute decision-making models towards a...

This side event will examine, from multiple perspectives, the respective progress, challenges, and prospects of civil society (OPDs), States Parties, and the CRPD Committee in implementing the Convention over the past 20 years and in the years ahead. It will also explore potential avenues for future collaboration in light of these two decades. As the world faces a wide range of challenges—including political, economic, and social issues—the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is playing an increasingly vital and foundational role in protecting and promoting of the human rights for all. This side event will examine, from multiple perspectives, the respective progress, challenges, and prospects of civil society (OPDs), States Parties, and the CRPD Committee in implementing the Convention over the past 20 years and in the years ahead. It will also explore potential avenues for future collaboration in light of these two decades. 1. Objectives and Expected Outcomes Mark...

   This event will focus on improved data, including citizen data, on children and adults in residential institutions globally. The event will include presentations from governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, disability advocates. and UN experts. This event aims to: Share findings from a global survey on the barriers in accessing institutions, Propose recommendations to strengthen available data and ensure more, and better data are collected on persons in institutions, and Highlight how citizen data, especially citizen data initiatives led by organizations of persons with disabilities can collect vital missing data to complement official statistics, especially around data on persons in institutions. Watch Citizen Data on Residential Institutionalization for Persons with Disabilities (COSP19 Side Event)! Side Events

This side event of the 19th Session of the CRPD Conference of States Parties ( COSP19 ) explores the implementation and monitoring of CRPD Article 33 through the voices and lived experiences of persons with disabilities across culture, gender, and ageing Watch the Living Letters : Voices at the Intersection of Disability, Culture, Gender and Ageing- Reflection on 20 Years of the CRPD (COSP19 Side Event)! Side Events

This side event of the  19th Session of the CRPD Conference of States Parties ( COSP19 ) explores the Needs of Aging Autistic Individuals. As life expectancy increases worldwide, there is growing recognition that aging is not a uniform experience. For Autistic individuals, aging presents distinct challenges that remain largely unaddressed within health and social care systems. While significant progress has been made in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, Autistic adults in mid and later life continue to face barriers to equitable healthcare, mental health support, and community inclusion. Autistic individuals are more likely to experience co-occurring medical and mental health conditions, along with differences in communication and sensory processing that can complicate care and support. Many face difficulty navigating complex systems that are not designed to be neuro-affirming. These challenges are compounded by limited provider training, fragmented services, an...

 By bringing together Member States and NGO's, the event will focus on implementation, lessons learned and actionable principles for States and stakeholders. This side event of the  19th Session of the CRPD Conference of States Parties ( COSP19 )  will examine how disability inclusion must be embedded across emergency preparedness, response, recovery and continuity-of-service systems. Anchored in Article 11 of the CRPD and aligned with the COSP19 sub-theme on resilient societies, the discussion will highlight practical approaches to accessible warning systems, inclusive evacuation and sheltering, continuity of support services, meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, and the use of disaggregated data to strengthen resilience. Aligned with the COSP19 sub-theme on resilient societies, and Article 11 of the CRPD, this side event will focus on the crucial aspect of designing emergency preparedness, response, recovery...

The  19th Session of the CRPD Conference of States Parties ( COSP19 ) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme: CRPD at 20 - Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world. Adoption of the agenda Organization of work Opening remarks by: H.E António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Ms. Miyeon Kim, Chairperson, Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Ms. Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Santosh Kuman Rungta, Civil Society Representative from the World Blind Union; Ms. Nilshani De Silva, Youth Representative from Sri Lanka Election of the members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities  Matters related to the implementation of the Convention: general debate The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilit...

This side event of the  19th Session of the CRPD Conference of States Parties ( COSP19 ), co-organised by the European Network on Independent Living and the Government of Belgium will take stock of what has been done to turn the aspirations of Article 19 of the CRPD into reality. Related Sites and Documents:  Concept Note . Watch the CRPD at 20: Are we any closer to Independent Living for All? (COSP19 Side Event)! Side Events

This side event proposes a shift in approach, the core premise is that the challenge is no longer to prepare persons with disabilities to adapt to existing systems, but rather to redesign systems to accommodate diverse human capabilities. As the international community approaches the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a significant shift is emerging—from focusing on access to services toward assessing their real impact on the lives of persons with disabilities, particularly in terms of independence and economic participation. Despite notable progress in inclusive education and rehabilitation, a persistent structural gap remains between education outcomes and meaningful integration into the labor market, particularly for persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. This gap is not solely linked to the quality of education or availability of training opportunities, but reflects a deeper systemic challenge—n...

   The Civil Society Forum being held under the auspices of the 19th Conference of States Parties (CoSP) to the CRPD will aim to provide a space for civil society to share its initiatives, projects and concerns, including sharing experiences of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) on the implementation of the CRPD. Session 3 - COSP Theme: Resilient societies: strengthening care and support systems to ensure the empowerment, autonomy and independence of all persons with disabilities. Session 4 - COSP theme: From participation to representation: enhancing accessible civic engagement, leadership and advocacy in political and public life. Closing Session - Reflections, Wrap up and Closing The Civil Society Forum will follow a format of a "People's Assembly". Following a brief opening, four substantive sessions will be held, focused on specific topics; three sessions will mirror the three COSP themes, and the fourth will cover the overarching COSP theme on the 20 ...

As the CRPD marks its 20th anniversary, this side event will explore the evolving impact of the CRPD on the international human rights architecture. It will examine how other human rights instruments are increasingly interpreted in light of the CRPD. The 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) offers an important opportunity to draw attention to its crucial role as a legal instrument within the broader international human rights architecture. This side event will examine the evolving impact of the CRPD on other international and regional human rights instruments. Recently, it can be observed that the jurisprudence of courts and the practice of treaty bodies increasingly refer to the CRPD and interpret other human rights instruments in light of its standards. Questions and issues such as the following will be discussed: How do international courts and treaty bodies engage with the CRPD in their jurisprudence? WHow can the CRPD be effectivel...