Donate
Donate
Text reads: Children and young people with disability.
Donate

CYDA at the United Nations CoSP19

About CoSP19

Every year, the United Nations holds a conference for countries that have agreed to uphold rights of people with disability.

This conference is called the “Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”, or “CoSP” for short.

In 2026, the UN held its 19th CoSP event, CoSP19, in New York. 

The main theme of CoSP19 was: “CRPD at 20: celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world”.

Its three sub-themes were:

  • Creating a world free from exploitation, violence and abuse for all persons with disabilities
  • Resilient societies: strengthening care and support systems to ensure the empowerment, autonomy and independence of all persons with disabilities
  • From participation to representation: enhancing accessible civic engagement, leadership and advocacy in political and public life.
A photo of two young women side by side in the General Assembly hall at the United Nations. The woman on the left has long orange hairing and is wearing a black blazer and using a wheelchair. The woman on the right is wearing a dark dress and has long brown hair. Both are smiling. Behind them, the UN crest is mounted on a brightly lit wall.
CYDA delegates Rosie Putland and Margherita Dall'Occo-Vaccaro at the General Assembly in the United Nations.

"It was an amazing experience. I remember looking up at the golden wall with the United Nations crest just before delivering my speech and being in disbelief, but so immensely grateful to have the opportunity to share our advocacy on the world stage."

Rosie Putland, CYDA delegate
A photo of a large group of young people with disability smiling and posing for a photo in a convention space. A screen behind the group features text that reads: "COSP19-Hybrid Side Event. CRPD at 20: From Youth Representation to Meaningful Participation in Political and Public Life."

CYDA at CoSP19

CYDA was proud to send two delegates to CoSP19 in 2026: Community Engagement Coordinator Rosie Putland and Board Director Margherita Dall’Occo-Vaccaro.

They participated in discussions on digital inclusion, civic participation, political representation, and strengthening care and support systems. Rosie delivered two speeches, including one in the General Assembly Hall, sharing CYDA’s advocacy on the impact of social media restrictions on disabled young people’s participation in public life.

A highlight of the conference was connecting with young disabled leaders from around the world. At a youth-focused side event hosted at UNICEF House, delegates shared experiences, built new connections and discussed how to strengthen youth participation in decision-making.

CYDA also met with youth advocates from countries including France, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, USA, and Kenya, and joined a meeting with UN representatives and young delegates from across the globe to discuss how future conferences can better support youth participation.

A photo of two young women in conversation at a table in a hall at the United Nations. The woman on the left has long orange hair and is gesturing as she speaks. The woman on the right has long dark brown hair and is wearing a bright yellow blazer.

CYDA also took part in CoSP18, CoSP17, and CoSP16

CYDA delegates Ebe, Jason, and Gi stand together outside the UN

CoSP18

In 2025, CYDA delegates Ebe Ganon, Jason McCurry, and Gi Brown delivered speeches and participated in various events at CoSP18 at the United Nations.

Explore highlights from CoSP18
Three people sit at a long desk in a brightly lit conference hall at the United Nations. A young brown-skinned non-binary person sits to the left of the photo in front of a microphone. Behind them stands a young fair-skinned man with close-cropped brown hair and glasses. To the right is a blonde woman in a green dress. The group is having a conversation.

CoSP17

In 2024, AuDHD Advocate, Emily Unity, CYDA Youth Programs Manager, Daniel Munter, and CYDA CEO, Skye Kakoschke-Moore, represented CYDA at CoSP17.

Explore highlights from CoSP17
Four young people pictured with CEO of CYDA in front of the UN building in New York. Behind the group are a number of flags flying.

CoSP16

In 2023, CYDA Youth Council members Charlotte Young, Justin Hill, Ashleigh Keating and Danny Dickson travelled to New York with CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore.

Explore highlights from CoSP16
Young person smiling and wearing a bright blue and red AFL beanie and holding two small dogs on their lap, sitting in a wheelchair.

CoSP14

In 2021, youth delegates Melanie Tran, Jocelyn Neumueller and Tim Chan, and CYDA CEO Mary Sayers represented CYDA at CoSP with an online presentation on inclusive education.

Explore highlights from CoSP14