The European Disability Forum, together with the Disability Climate Caucus, is launching a new report calling for urgent action to embed disability inclusion across global climate policy, finance, and implementation. The report ‘Best Practices on Disability-Inclusive Climate Action 2026‘, produced thanks to the support of the Disability Rights Fund, was released on the occasion of the 2026 UN Bonn Climate Change Conference.
The report showcases practical examples from across the world: from inclusive disaster preparedness in Perú to climate leadership by women with disabilities in Tanzania and intersectional adaptation in Nepal. Examples show that when persons with disabilities are included as leaders and decision-makers, climate action becomes more effective, equitable, and sustainable.
Despite this, persons with disabilities continue to be left behind in both policy and practice, at a time when climate negotiations are discussing adaptation, finance, and just transition.
From informal recognition to full participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)
The Disability Climate Caucus is recognised within the UN climate process as an informal group working to advance disability inclusion.
We call for the formal recognition of persons with disabilities as an official constituency, on an equal footing with other stakeholder groups.
Formal constituency status would:
- Guarantee systematic representation in UNFCCC processes
- Strengthen access to negotiation spaces and decision-making
- Ensure that disability perspectives are included across all climate workstreams
Without this step, persons with disabilities will continue to face structural barriers to participation, limited access to negotiations, and reduced influence on decisions that directly affect their lives.
A major gap in climate policy and finance
The report identifies key priorities for governments and donors:
- Integrate disability across Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Ensure accessible and inclusive climate finance mechanisms
- Prioritise funding for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
- Address critical data gaps on disability and climate impacts
Without targeted action, climate policies risk reinforcing existing inequalities and failing those most at risk.
The EU must lead by example
As a global leader on human rights and climate action, the European Union has a critical role to play.
EDF calls on the EU to:
- Champion the recognition of a disability constituency within the UNFCCC
- Ensure disability inclusion is systematically integrated in EU climate diplomacy and external action
- Scale up disability-inclusive climate finance through EU instruments and partnerships
- Promote the leadership of persons with disabilities in international climate negotiations and partnerships
This is essential to ensure that EU climate leadership is fully aligned with its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
A call to act now
As negotiations continue and momentum builds towards the next UN Climate Change Conference, EDF calls on all governments, donors, and UNFCCC stakeholders to act:
- Recognise persons with disabilities as an official UNFCCC constituency
- Embed disability inclusion across all climate policies and finance mechanisms
- Invest in disability-led climate action and leadership
Without this, climate action will continue to fall short of its promise to be inclusive and leave no one behind.