Last week marked a historic milestone for the global disability movement in climate advocacy. After many years of sustained effort, the Disability Caucus has been formally recognised as an Informal Group of Stakeholders under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This recognition is a major step towards the creation of an official Disability Constituency within the UN climate process. It brings persons with disabilities closer to something long overdue: meaningful access to policy discussions and a seat at the table in international climate negotiations.
The Disability Caucus brings together more than 120 organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and allies from across the globe. Its recognition signals growing acknowledgement that disability rights must be part of global climate governance.
From recognition to influence
While this recognition is a breakthrough, it is also a beginning.
Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change, from extreme weather events and displacement to disruptions in essential services and livelihoods. Yet disability has remained largely invisible across many climate policy frameworks. The disability movement now has a stronger platform to influence negotiations , engage with Parties, and contribute directly to shaping climate commitments, thanks to the formal recognition of the Disability Caucus under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
To support this new phase of advocacy, EDF is publishing a series of five policy briefs examining how disability inclusion can be strengthened across key areas of the UN climate negotiations.
The briefs focus on five critical policy areas:
Nationally Determined Contributions
Nationally Determined Contributions set out how countries plan to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They are the backbone of global climate action under the Paris Agreement. EDF identifies how disability can be systematically integrated into national climate plans, through inclusive consultations, disability-disaggregated data, and targeted adaptation and mitigation measures.
Just Transition
A Just Transition must ensure that the shift to a climate-neutral economy does not negatively impact anyone, especially marginalised communities. In fact, it must ensure advance inclusive opportunities. This includes accessible green jobs, inclusive social protection systems, and targeted measures to address structural discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.
Global Goal on Adaptation
The Global Goal on Adaptation) aims to strengthen resilience . The brief outlines how disability-inclusive indicators, accessible early warning systems, and community-based approaches must be embedded within adaptation planning.
Gender Action Plan
The Gender Action Plan (GAP) promotes gender-responsive climate policy. Our analysis highlights the importance of intersectionality, particularly the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities within gender and climate strategies.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Institutional Mechanisms
Finally, the briefs examine how the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change itself can become more accessible and inclusive, from participation modalities and documentation accessibility to engagement with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
Turning Momentum into Change
The five policy briefs provide concrete and actionable recommendations for governments, negotiators, and climate institutions. They identify clear advocacy targets and practical entry points to ensure disability inclusion is embedded across climate commitments.