As the 17th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17) approaches, we are excited to announce our involvement as we continue to work towards reshaping disability rights on the global stage.

COSP17 will be held from June 11th to 13th, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year’s overarching theme, “Rethinking disability inclusion in the current international juncture and ahead of the Summit of the Future,” highlights the urgency of advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

WWDA’s Policy Officer, Clare Gibellini, will attend COSP17 in person, representing the voices of women, girls, and gender diverse individuals with disabilities. Clare’s involvement extends to various platforms within the conference:

Civil Society Forum Presentation: Clare will participate in the Civil Society Forum, akin to a “People’s Assembly,” where she will present insights during Session 2, focusing on the theme of “Persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies.” Her contribution aims to advocate for inclusive policies in crisis response.

Welcome Reception Attendance: Invited by the Hon Bill Shorten MP and Ambassador James Larsen, Clare will attend the Welcome Reception on June 10th, 2024. This event serves as a testament to WWDA’s impactful presence and fosters networking opportunities among key stakeholders.

Co-Sponsorship of Side Event: WWDA proudly co-sponsors the upcoming Side Event, “The Future of Disability Rights is Feminist,” emphasising the intersectionality of disability and gender rights.

a social media tile about a COSP17 side event. The tile has text that reads The Future of Disability Rights is Feminist with support from Foundation for a Just Society on Wednesday, 12th June 2024

Neve Team’s Side Event: The WWDA Neve team will host a virtual side event titled “Accessibility First Approach: Online Space and Resources Prioritising Disability and Accessibility.” This session, scheduled for June 12th, 2024, highlights WWDA’s innovative approach to resource development, focusing on co-design principles and accessibility standards. Attendees will gain insights into Neve, an Easy Read website catering to women and gender diverse individuals with disabilities, fostering empowerment, and accessibility. Register here.

Join WWDA as we advocate for meaningful change and champion the rights of women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities at COSP17. Stay tuned for more updates!