From June 9 to 12, 2025, the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18) took place at the United Nations in New York, chaired by Sri Lanka and supported by vice-chairs from Canada, Peru, Poland, and Tanzania. This global event, encompassing conferences, round tables, over 70 parallel events, and collaborative exchanges, marked a pivotal moment for advocates of disability rights. It united international voices not only to address ongoing challenges but also to engage in meaningful discussions on concrete solutions for achieving true inclusion.
For the first time at this event, AHADI Foundation brought to the forefront an issue that is often overlooked, even within disability advocacy circles: the leadership of women with disabilities and their rightful place in decision-making roles. In addition to the standard discussions, the Foundation also spotlighted the Social Impact Contract (CIS), an innovative financing solution that is actively being explored to advance its pilot program. This approach is designed to generate tangible, sustainable change, laying the groundwork for a more just, equitable, and genuinely inclusive society.
Raising Public Awareness on the Rights and Contributions of Persons with Disabilities for Social Development
The central theme of COSP18, "Raising Public Awareness on the Rights and Contributions of Persons with Disabilities for Social Development," highlighted the undeniable truth that true inclusion for persons with disabilities cannot be achieved without widespread global awareness. In this context, AHADI Foundation positions itself as a strategic leader in this movement, blending boldness and creativity in its initiatives. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering women with disabilities, while also raising awareness among civil society, institutions, and private sector actors about the fundamental rights of women with disabilities—particularly their right to assume leadership roles.
A Day of Mobilization and Strategic Exchanges
The conference kicked off with a day dedicated to civil society, taking the form of a vibrant "People’s Assembly." This pivotal moment allowed civil society actors to raise their voices, share their experiences, and propose actionable solutions, some of which had already been tested on a local scale. During the session on empowering persons with disabilities through innovative financing, AHADI Foundation highlighted its leadership program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip women with disabilities with the necessary tools to assert themselves in decision-making roles. It also served as a platform to present the Social Impact Contract (CIS), an innovative financing model that the Foundation is actively exploring to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of its programs.
Three Days of Reflection, Strategic Exchanges, and Reengagement of States Parties: Towards Sustainable Inclusion?
Three sub-themes were the focus of these crucial exchanges:
1. Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Innovative Financing
The discussions emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships and social impact investments as powerful drivers of sustainable inclusion. Initiatives, particularly those supported by the Australian government, showcased how the Social Impact Contract can serve as a catalyst for systemic transformation. By incorporating this model into the expansion of its AHADI Leadership program, AHADI Foundation seeks to empower women with disabilities and facilitate their access to decision-making spaces. The CIS, by aligning financing with measurable social objectives, fosters collaboration between public and private sectors, driving a dynamic of sustainable, transformative change.
2. AI: A Tool for Supporting Inclusivity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center stage in the discussions, particularly for its potential to drive greater inclusivity. Voice assistance technologies, augmented communication systems, and AI-powered accessibility platforms were recognized as transformative solutions for enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities and enabling their active participation in society. However, concerns were also raised regarding algorithmic biases and the challenge of ensuring universal accessibility, underscoring the urgent need for regulation to guarantee that these technologies are used ethically and inclusively.
3. Recognizing and Addressing the Rights of Indigenous Persons with Disabilities
Another critical issue addressed was the inclusion of indigenous persons with disabilities, who are frequently overlooked in public policies. Through its work in Africa, AHADI Foundation put forward practical strategies to integrate the rights of indigenous women with disabilities into these policies. Facing intersecting forms of discrimination based on gender, disability, and ethnicity, these women experience triple marginalization. The Foundation highlighted the vital importance of access to education, political representation, and the recognition of cultural specificities as essential components to create a truly effective inclusion program.
The Priority of Inclusive Leadership
AHADI Foundation seized this conference as a pivotal moment to reaffirm its steadfast commitment to genuine inclusion and the representation of women with disabilities in decision-making spheres. We conveyed a powerful message: for women with disabilities to attain meaningful leadership, it is crucial to dismantle systemic barriers and foster truly inclusive spaces of power. Our active participation in parallel events not only expanded our network of strategic partners but also propelled the cause of equal rights for all women with disabilities, paving the way for coordinated, sustainable actions moving forward.
COSP18 Resolutions: A Path Toward 2026
COSP18 adopted several strategic resolutions for the future of persons with disabilities, paving the way for ongoing and enhanced engagement for their rights:
- Resolution 1: The next session of COSP will be held from June 9 to 11, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
- Resolution 2: The conference praised the resources and support provided for the current session, while reiterating the need to ensure adequate support for future sessions.
- Resolution 3: The Secretary-General was tasked with transmitting the report of this session to all States Parties and observers.
These resolutions pave the way for continued dialogue and tangible actions, amplifying the voice of persons with disabilities and their right to equality. Remaining true to its mission, AHADI Foundation will persist in making its voice heard, advocating for a more just and inclusive world where every woman with a disability can fully unlock her potential and play an active role in transforming society.
