Inclusion International has released an easy to read guide for the Civil Society Forum at COSP18, which will take place on 9 June 2025 at the United Nations in New York.

Download the Agenda and Guide

The guide was created by Listen Include Respect Services, a project co-managed by Inclusion International and Down Syndrome International.

Self-advocates worked on the guide to make sure it is clear and accessible for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Civil Society Forum is a key meeting for organisations of persons with disabilities. It takes place just before the official COSP18 conference. The Forum is an opportunity for civil society groups to speak for themselves and highlight the issues that matter most—without governments in the room.

This year’s Forum will focus on:

  • Cuts to funding for disability organisations
  • New ways to fund support for people with disabilities
  • The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it affects inclusion
  • The rights of indigenous persons with disabilities

Each session will include time for speakers, followed by open discussion. People with disabilities will be encouraged to share their experiences and ideas.

The easy to read guide includes a full agenda and plain language explanations of each topic.