“The world benefits when everyone has the opportunity to use their skills in the service of humanity and pursue their dreams.“said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the opening session held in the iconic General Assembly Hall. “Your debates today are a next vital step towards a world where we are all respected and included.”
Known as COSP19, this year’s Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be held June 9-11 under the theme Celebrate and consolidate achievements and shape the next phase of implementation in a changing world.with roundtables, elections, decisions on the best ways forward and first-hand accounts of challenges, innovative solutions and success stories from around the world.
“While progress is real, it is unacceptably slow”
The actions depend on the CRPD convention, a legally binding agreement between signatory Member States to defend, promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities. adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and now ratified by 192 countries.
Twenty years later, much has been achieved, including More than 90 percent of countries have laws that guarantee the rights of people with disabilities.But much remains to be done in light of the latest findings of the United Nations Disability and Development Report, which show that almost all Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators for people with disabilities are off track.
“While progress is real, it is unacceptably slow,” the UN chief said.
‘Fortunately, it is possible to redesign the world’
Pointing to a world facing crises, from climate change and conflict to a global rise in the cost of living, Guterres said: “Too often, living with a disability means living in a world designed by and for others.. Luckily, it is possible to redesign the world.”
Striving to lead by example, the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy aims to ensure change, led by the ideas of people with disabilities.
“Together, let us realize the rights of all people with disabilities and build a just and vibrant future for all.”
Watch the opening session here:
The voices of civil society are heard
Communities around the world already amplified their voices on Monday by holding a multi-session Civil Society Forum under the auspices of COSP19 to address pressing issues, from building resilient societies to improving accessible civic engagement, leadership and advocacy in political and public life.
In case you missed it, tune in to UN Web TV at the links below to access these forum sessions:
Learn more about this year’s forum here.
COSP19: explained
- COSP meetings have been held annually at United Nations Headquarters in New York since 2008 and cover a variety of topics and issues.
- Click here to view maps of United Nations Headquarters, including its Accessibility Center and Kiosk
- Get full access to COSP19 on ONE Web TV live or on-demand with closed captioning and sign language interpretation, including dozens of side events.
- Read the concept note here
- Find the draft program here and an easy-to-read version here
- Get involved on social media with #COSP19 #CRPD20
Live Page Acquisition: Starting in 2024
Verify UN News‘first live blog takeover by activist, actor and talk show host Nick Herd, who was our guest editor, sharing his story and journey during the opening day of session number 17, here.
Nick Herd in the UN General Assembly Hall for COSP16.