By An-Sofie Leenknecht, Human Rights Coordinator
Context
The Government of Norway, IDA and the Atlas Alliance will co-host the second Global Disability Summit (GDS II) the 16th and 17th February 2022. Another successful GDS will possibility further accelerate the implementation of the CRPD, the successful achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the previous commitments made during the first GDS.
WHO Regional Office for Europe, UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and the European Disability Forum (EDF) will organise a high-level European Regional Disability Summit, focusing on international cooperation on 8th February 2022. The aim will be to discuss how international cooperation in the broader European region can become inclusive of persons with disabilities. An outcome document proposing future commitment and solutions will be presented for adoption during the Regional Summit and presented at the GDS.
EDFs work
EDF has developed a strategy, called ‘roadmap’ to inform, consult and involve EDF members and DPOs from the larger European region ahead of the high-level European Regional Disability Summit. We will raise awareness about the commitments European governments could make to support inclusive international cooperation and aim at influencing the outcome document of the high-level European Regional Disability Summit. We also work towards ensuring DPOs participation during both summits, at the European and global level.
Ways to get involved as DPO
Survey
A survey is currently available for DPOs to give their input ahead of both Summits. The deadline is 22nd November.
Toolkit
We are developing a toolkit for EDF members and DPOs from the larger European region (it will be translated into Russian) on how they can get your national governments involved in the preparations of the Summit. A template of letter will be included for DPOs to send to their national representatives in preparation of the Regional Disability Summit and the GDS. The toolkit will be available by 15th November.
Consultation meetings
In continuation of the first consultation workshop, we organized for our members and DPOs from the larger European region on 15th October, we will organise another debate with EDF Board members on 16th November.
We plan a follow up meeting in December 2021, once we have more information about the programme of the Global Disability Summit and what commitments can be made.
In January 2022, we will plan another meeting to discuss together what we want to propose for the outcome document of the European Regional Disability Summit.
European Regional Disability Summit on international cooperation, 8th February
The high-level European Regional Disability Summit on international cooperation aims to
• Present the priority themes of the GDS II and explore their relevance for European international cooperation;
• Present findings from the European DPOs consultation;
• Discuss inclusive development for the European region, including aid supporting the neighbouring countries of the European Union and central Asia.
EDF will ensure its members and DPOs from the larger European region’s involvement in the Summit.
For more information about EDFs work on the Global and European Disability Summits, please contact Marion Steff, EDF International Cooperation Manager marion.steff@edf-feph.org