Marking historic progress on the rights of people with disabilities, the UN conference addresses critical gaps

“The world benefits when everyone has the opportunity to use their skills in serving humanity and pursuing their dreams,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres recounts the opening session held in the iconic General Assembly Hall. “Your discussion today is a an important next step towards a world where we are all respected and included.”

Known as COSP19this year is the Conference of States Parties to Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities took place from June 9 to 11 with that theme Celebrate and consolidate achievements and shape the next phase of implementation in a changing worldwith roundtable discussions, elections, decision-making on the best way forward and first-hand accounts of challenges, innovative solutions and success stories from around the world.

‘While progress is real, it is very slow’

Actions depend on conventions, CRPDa legally binding agreement between signatory Member States to uphold, promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and now ratified by 192 countries.

Twenty years later, much has been accomplished, including that more than 90 percent of countries have laws that guarantee the rights of people with disabilitieshowever, there is still much more to be done in light of recent developments United Nations Disability and Development Report findings that show almost everything Sustainable Development Goals SDGs indicators for people with disabilities are off track.

“While progress is real, it is very slow,” said the UN Secretary General.

‘Fortunately, we can redesign the world’

Pointing to a world facing crises, from climate change and conflict to soaring global costs of living, Guterres said “Often, living with a disability means living in a world designed by and for others. Luckily, we can redesign the world.”

Striving to lead by example, UN Disability Inclusion Strategy aims to ensure change, led by the insights of people with disabilities.

“Together, let us realize the rights of every person with a disability and build a just and bright future for all.”

Watch the opening session here:

The voices of civil society were heard

Communities from around the world made their voices heard on Monday, convening a multi-session Civil Society Forum under the auspices of COSP19 to address pressing issues, from building resilient societies to increasing civic engagement, leadership and accessible advocacy in political and public life.

In case you missed it, tune in to UN Web TV at the link below to access the following forum sessions:

Find out more about this year’s forum Here.

Direct page takeover: Starting in 2024

Inspect UN News‘ the first live blog takeover by the activist, actor and talk show host Nick Herdwho is our guest editor, shares his story and journey throughout the opening day of the 17th session, here.