CYDA at the United Nations CoSP16
About CoSP16
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 2023, the UN held its 16th CoSP event, CoSP16, in New York.
The main theme of CoSP16 was: “Harmonizing national policies and strategies with the CRPD: achievements and challenges”.
"CoSP16 allowed me to take opportunities to network with other disability organisations from across the globe, including but not limited to Inclusion International, Project Zero, the International Disability Alliance, but also with representatives from Perkins School of the Blind, the World Bank as well as the Secretary of State for Inclusion from Portugal and the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations. In addition, I was able to speak with many of these organisations and representatives at a side event where I spoke on the importance of inclusive education."
CYDA at CoSP16
CYDA sent four youth delegates to CoSP16, Charlotte Young, Ashleigh Keating, Justin Hill and Danny Dickson, to represent young people with disability. It was an opportunity for to share valuable stories and insights, and to make connections with advocacy groups and and government representative in an international forum.
Charlotte and Justin spoke at the Civil Society Forum about the importance of including the voices of young people with disability when speaking about the issues that impact them. Our delegates also spoke at side events about inclusive education and disabled youth involvement, awareness, empowerment and leadership.
CYDA co-hosted a side event panel on “Children with Disabilities: Going Beyond Representation”.
