CYDA at the United Nations CoSP17
About CoSP17
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 2024, the UN held its 17th CoSP event, CoSP17, in New York.
The main theme of CoSP 17 was: “Rethinking disability inclusion in the current international juncture and ahead of the Summit of the Future”.
Its three sub-themes were:
- Technological innovation for an inclusive future
- Disability in risk and emergency situations
- Promoting rights to decent work and sustainable livelihoods
To connect with delegates from around the world, hear their many advocacy stories, and truly feel included and part of an international community with a shared mission was incredible. I came away from CoSP17 feeling like part of a much broader movement that crossed oceans and borders.
CYDA at CoSP17
CYDA sent three delegates to CoSP17, Emily Unity, Daniel Munter, and CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore, to represent young people with disability on the international stage.
Over four days, they attended discussions on the CoSP17 themes. They also went to side events on topics like Australia’s National Autism Strategy and inclusive education.
Emily and Daniel gave speeches to peers from countries like the United States, Lithuania, Uganda, Japan, Fiji, and Canada.
They presented at a panel promoting the Disability Inclusion Action Plan for the Commonwealth’s 56 member states, an event on employment inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people with disability, and the Civil Society CRPD Forum.
CoSP17 was also a great place to meet other advocates and organisations. Our delegates learned from experts on subjects like childhood disability research.
Interviews with L'Arche International
On the second day of CoSP17, our delegates were interviewed by L’Arche International’s Nicholas Herd.
The Canadian activist, actor, and talk show host was the first person with disability to guest edit the UN News live blog. His mission was to cover the event as it unfolded and amplify the voices of changemakers from around the world.
Emily and Daniel spoke about what excited them most at the Conference, the idea of ‘nothing about us, without us’, and disability advocacy in an international context.
Watch their interviews below.
Delegate speeches
Our delegates also spoke at the Civil Society CRPD Forum. This event, which took place the day before CoSP17 officially began, was for civil society groups from around the globe to talk about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Emily discussed how young people with disability can use technology to build a more inclusive digital future. Daniel addressed the need to do better in creating fair and equitable employment opportunities for young people with disability.
CYDA also took part in CoSP16 and CoSP14
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.
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.
