The Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) serves as a crucial platform for global dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy in the field of disability rights.
Our members’ participation at COSP17 is an incredible opportunity to contribute to the advancement of disability rights worldwide.
In this blog post, we will explore how you can effectively engage with the events at COSP17, ensuring that your voice is heard, and your perspectives are represented.
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1. Understand the COSP17 Agenda
Before diving into the events, take some time to familiarise yourself with the agenda of COSP17. This will help you identify the sessions, workshops, and side events that align with your interests and expertise.
We’ve taken the time to explain the themes of COSP in easy-to-understand language below:
Overarching theme: Think about how to better include and support people with disabilities, both now and in the future.
Sub-theme 1: How can countries work together on technology that makes things more inclusive in the future
Sub-theme 2: Making sure people with disabilities are not forgotten in emergencies.
Sub-theme 3: Helping people with disabilities get good jobs and support themselves.
For full details on the themes of this year’s COSP click here. There are concept papers written for each sub theme, but please note that they are not accessible or in easy-to-understand language.
2. Engage with the Civil Society Forum
The Civil Society Forum is an important part of COSP. Civil society refers to groups of people who come together voluntarily to work towards common goals, outside of the government and business.
This Forum will provide additional space for civil society to make its own contributions, and allow civil society to share and capture important issues.
The event offers a unique opportunity to network, learn from others, and strengthen partnerships, ultimately enhancing the impact of your advocacy efforts.
Here is a short video about the Civil Society Forum
3. Make the Most of Side Events
Our network is heavily involved at side-events at COSP.
A side-event is a smaller meeting or presentation that happens alongside the main conference. It’s an opportunity for different groups to talk about specific topics and share ideas.
Attending and actively participating in side-events will expand your understanding of various perspectives and foster valuable connections.
Inclusion International is working with project partners this year to host a side-event called “Ensuring Humanitarian Work is Inclusive of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities“. It’s being hosted online – and we hope you can attend!
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For our list of side-events that we are involved with or featuring speakers from our membership at check out our guide to COSP17. For a full list of side-events, click here.
Engage with relevant hashtags like #COSP17 or #CRPD, tag fellow members and organisations, and encourage others to join the conversation.
4. Join the Conversation Online
In the digital age, social media plays a powerful role in raising awareness and amplifying voices.
Utilise platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share updates, key messages, and follow the highlights from COSP17.
Engage with relevant hashtags like #COSP17 or #CRPD, tag fellow members and organisations, and encourage others to join the conversation.
By leveraging social media, you can extend the reach of your advocacy efforts and connect with a broader audience.
5. Network and Collaborate
COSP17 is an excellent opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with individuals and organisations working towards similar goals.
Take advantage of coffee breaks, social events, and side meetings to connect with fellow participants, government representatives, and UN officials.
Building these connections can lead to future collaborations, sharing of resources, and collective advocacy efforts.
Take advantage of coffee breaks, social events, and side meetings to connect with fellow participants, government representatives, and UN officials.
Your engagement with the events at COSP17 is essential in shaping global disability policies and promoting the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
By participating, sharing your experiences, and advocating for inclusive practices, you contribute to the collective effort of creating a more inclusive and equitable world.