IDDC

IDDC involved in UN discussion on mainstreaming disability in development
New York, 2 February 2012

Lars Bosselmann, EU Advocacy Manager of IDDC member CBM, represented IDDC on the panel discussion about mainstreaming disability in development cooperation. This event was organised by the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DSPD/DESA) in collaboration with UN member states, United Nations entities and civil society.

Coinciding with the 50th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, this panel discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views on what works in practice. But also what still needs to be done to make mainstreaming of disability a reality in international cooperation.

All speakers underlined the importance of mainstreaming disability, as persons with disabilities constitute a large proportion of the population. It was noted, however, that mainstreaming of disability continued to face a number of challenges: most notably the lack of political will. To overcome this, "it is vital to include persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in all consultation processes defining development priorities", highlighted Mr. Bosselmann.

 
In that context, all panelists stressed the opportunity of the upcoming negotiations on development priorities beyond 2015 when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expire.

--> Read here the announcement of the event on the UN's website