UN discusses mainstreaming disability in development
-
-
© Marianne Schulze/IDDC
Lars Bosselmann addressing the UN panel discussion on mainstreaming disability in development cooperation
In February 2012 Lars Bosselmann, CBM's EU Liaison Office Advocacy Manager, represented the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) at a UN panel discussion on mainstreaming disability in development cooperation. Bosselmann called for inclusion of persons with disabilities in all processes defining development priorities.
Making mainstreaming a reality
New York, 2 February 2012
In conjunction with the 50th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development , the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DSPD/DESA), in collaboration with UN member states, United Nations entities and civil society, organised a panel discussion on mainstreaming disability in development cooperation. The International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) was represented on the panel by Lars Bosselmann, EU Advocacy Manager of IDDC member CBM.
This panel discussion was an opportunity to exchange views on what works in practice. But also what still needs to be done to make mainstreaming of disability a reality in international cooperation.
In conjunction with the 50th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development , the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DSPD/DESA), in collaboration with UN member states, United Nations entities and civil society, organised a panel discussion on mainstreaming disability in development cooperation. The International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) was represented on the panel by Lars Bosselmann, EU Advocacy Manager of IDDC member CBM.
This panel discussion was an opportunity to exchange views on what works in practice. But also what still needs to be done to make mainstreaming of disability a reality in international cooperation.
Overcoming challenges
All speakers underlined the importance of mainstreaming disability, as persons with disabilities constitute a large proportion of the population. It was noted, however, that mainstreaming of disability continued to face a number of challenges; most notably the lack of political will.
To overcome this, "It is vital to include persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in all consultation processes defining development priorities", said Lars Bosselmann on behalf of IDDC.
In that context, all panelists stressed the opportunity of the upcoming negotiations on development priorities beyond 2015 when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expire.
