CoSP16 Virtual Side-Event

Download Concept Note and Agenda

To facilitate a discussion under the Sub-Theme 3: Reaching the under-represented groups of persons with disabilities of the 16th Session of the Conference Of States Parties (CoSP16) to the CRPD, UN-Habitat India, in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO) India and the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, are organizing a virtual side event titled “Inclusive Urban Development: Accessibility as an enabler for reaching under-represented groups of persons with disabilities” on 13th June 2023, Tuesday, at 9.45 - 11 hrs NY time / 19.15 - 20.30 hrs IST.

Through a moderated panel discussion, the objective of the side event is to sensitize and increase awareness among the community of practice to work towards addressing the needs of under-represented groups of persons with disabilities; and to brainstorm on specific sectors of opportunity to build cohesion across traditionally siloed departments. The side event will thus provide a platform for city leaders, urban practitioners, civil society, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs)/disabled people’s organizations (DPOs), and the private sector to share concrete experiences, opportunities, and challenges faced in designing and implementing inclusion and accessibility in cities through sharing of good practices/case studies, and reflections on their learnings, scalability, and replicability.

This side event aligns with the central and transformative principle of Leave No One Behind (safety, accessibility, and inclusion) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations and the objectives of the GDI Hub’s AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure programme, which is building global evidence on what works for inclusive cities. The takeaways of the side event will be captured in a discussion paper and will also be disseminated through the involvement of a network of active stakeholders, social media outreach, and knowledge exchange between the diverse stakeholders.

About the Organizing Partners

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

UN-Habitat’s vision is to promote “a better quality of life for all in an urbanizing world” and to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. It promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty in cities. UN-Habitat works with partners in over 90 countries and is involved in knowledge exchange, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action. Please visit: https://www.unhabitat.org.in/

United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) India

The United Nations system in India includes 26 organizations that have the privilege to serve in India. The Resident Coordinator, the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General to the Government, leads the UN Country Team to advocate the mandate of the United Nations, while drawing on the support and guidance of the entire UN family. For more information, please visit: https://india.un.org/en

Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub

GDI Hub is a research and practice centre driving disability innovation for a fairer world. Operational in 41 countries, it works with more than 70 partners, delivering projects across a portfolio of £50m. GDI Hub has reached 23 million people since its launch in 2016 by developing bold approaches, building innovative partnerships, and creating ecosystems to accelerate change. For more information, please visit: https://www.disabilityinnovation.com/

For more details on CoSP16