United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the opening session in the General Assembly Hall, stated, “A world where everyone has the chance to use their skills and pursue their dreams in the service of humanity benefits all of humanity.” Guterres added, “Your discussions today are a vital next step towards a world where all are respected and included.”
‘Progress is Real, But Unacceptably Slow’
Actions under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and now ratified by 192 countries, constitute a binding agreement. This agreement aims to support, advance, and protect the rights of persons with disabilities by member states.
Despite significant gains over the past two decades, such as the enactment of laws safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities by over 90% of countries, the latest findings from the UN Flagship Report on Disability and Development indicate that nearly all indicators for persons with disabilities under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are falling behind targets. The UN Secretary-General commented, “While progress is real, it is unacceptably slow.”
‘Fortunately, It Is Possible to Redesign the World’
Pointing to a world facing crises such as climate change, conflict, and the rising global cost of living, Guterres stated, “Too often, living with a disability means living in a world designed by and for others. Fortunately, it is possible to redesign the world.”
Through its leadership efforts, the UN’s Disability Inclusion Strategy aims to drive change guided by the perspectives of persons with disabilities. Guterres urged, “Together, let us realize the rights of every person with a disability and build a just and vibrant future for all.”
You can watch the opening session here:
Voices of Civil Society Heard
Communities from across the globe raised their voices through a multi-session Civil Society Forum, held under the auspices of COSP19, addressing urgent issues ranging from building resilient societies to enhancing accessible civic participation, leadership, and advocacy in political and public life.
For those who missed it, you can follow UN Web TV via the links below to access these forum sessions:
For more information on this year’s forum, click here.
COSP19: Explained
- COSP meetings have been held annually at UN Headquarters in New York since 2008, covering various themes and topics.
- Click here for UN Headquarters maps, including the UN Headquarters Accessibility Centre and Kiosk.
- Gain full access to COSP19, along with dozens of side events including closed captioning and sign language interpretation, live or on-demand on UN Web TV.
- Read the concept note here.
- Find the draft programme here and the easy-read version here.
- Engage on social media with #COSP19 #CRPD20.
