Conference of State Parties Convention, 10–13 June 2024, New York.
The panelists: L-R: Nawaf Kabbara, Maria Jose Carranza, Pascal Bijleveld, Bernard Chiira, Jenny Lay Flurrie, Kylie Shae, Gopal Mitra.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is arguably the most successful UN convention to date. Beyond 177 ratifications globally, the comprehensive legally binding international treaty is attributed to advancement of disability rights at a global scale. Every year, the Conference of State Parties (COSP) convention is hosted at the UN headquarters in New York, and this year, the 17th edition was no different. Themed “Rethinking disability inclusion in the current international juncture and ahead of the Summit of the Future”, the convention was the backdrop of a significant discussion on event: The power of partnership to achieve access to Assistive Technology. The side event was hosted by ATscale, the Global partnership on Assistive Technology. On the invitation of ATscale and as a guest of the United Nations, I participated as a speaker, and this is a short account of my observations and interactions at what would be considered the birthplace of the UNCRPD.
Exploring accessibility, culture and culinary in New York
During my time in New York for the Conference of State Parties convention at the United Nations HQ, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in American culture and gain insights into the workings of the UN. The city of New York itself is a melting pot of diverse cultures and offers a vibrant atmosphere with its iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. The United Nations Headquarters, located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, is an architectural marvel and serves as a hub for international diplomacy and cooperation. I had the most memorable tour of New York. From visiting the Nova Music Festival memorial exhibition, taking the Staten Island Ferry, and coming face to face with the charging bull in Broadway, it was all breathtakingly worth it. Perhaps what will stick with me for a long time is the progress New York City has made in accessibility. New York is arguably one of the most accessible cities for persons with disabilities in the world. From hotels to the streets, bus, taxis and subway transportation, I witnessed firsthand many persons with disabilities and the elderly participate in daily life, as is the dream of so many in countries like Kenya, where such progress is yet to be achieved. Ok, there is one more thing that will stick with me, and that’s the culinary experience at Coletta, a small Vegan & Kosher Italian Restaurant Gramercy. My pallet was in delightful shock and disbelieve with my chicken dish that tasted like chicken, looked like chicken but alas! It was all vegan.
Insights from the UN, ATscale and its role in promoting Assistive Technology
I witnessed firsthand the discussions and collaborations on disability rights taking place on a global scale. It was inspiring to see representatives from different countries come together to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and work towards inclusive policies and practices. Member states hosted forums to share insights, engage in strategic discussions and spotlight key initiatives. For instance, the Government of the Republic of Kenya together with partners across civic society and private sector hosted member states to the “Redefining the Future: Decent Work and Sustainable Livelihood for Persons with Disabilities” side event. The round table served as a platform for sharing insights and strengthening partnerships.
One of the key organizations at the forefront of promoting assistive technology in the global south is ATscale. Their work within the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is crucial in driving positive change and improving access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities. ATscale focuses on scaling up the availability and affordability of assistive technology by collaborating with governments, industry partners, and civil society organizations.
The role of ATscale within UNOPS is to facilitate and coordinate efforts to promote assistive technology in the global south. They work towards bridging the gap between developed and developing countries by supporting the development of AT industries, including manufacturing, distribution, retail, and after-sale services. By investing in these industries in developing countries, ATscale aims to address the inequalities in access to assistive technology and create economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Business Case for Investing in AT Industries in Developing Countries
Investing in AT industries in developing countries is not only a matter of human rights but also an economic imperative. By prioritizing and investing in the development of AT industries, we can create jobs, stimulate markets, generate wealth, and drive economic growth. These industries play a crucial role in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in society.
During my speech at the United Nations UNICEF HQ, I emphasized the importance of viewing assistive technology as both a human rights issue and an economic agenda. To bridge the gap in access to assistive technology between developed and developing countries, it is essential to involve stakeholders beyond the disability sector. This includes investors, ministers of finance and trade, manufacturers, engineers, designers, architects, and more. By framing the case for disability inclusion in economic terms, we can engage these stakeholders and promote the development of AT industries in developing countries.
Highlighting Top Disability Inclusion Leaders at the Event
The Conference of State Parties convention at the United Nations HQ brought together top disability inclusion leaders and experts from around the world. It was an honor to share the podium with some influential voices in the field, such as Jenny Lay-Flurrie, the chief of Accessibility at Microsoft, and Iain McKinnon from the Global Disability Innovation Hub. Other leaders I had the chance of meeting and interacting with include members of the Global Accessibility and Inclusion Leaders such as Michal Rimon and Rani Benjamin from Access Israel, Ambassador Luis Gallegos-president board of UNITAR and president of the board of G3ICT, Victor Calise-former City of New York Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, James Lasnner-executive director at the Accessibility Accelerator, Michael Fembek and Wilfred Kainz from Zero Project Conference, Klaus Hoekner from Access Austria, Irene Mbari-Kirika amongst many others.
These leaders have made significant contributions to advancing disability rights and promoting inclusive practices within their respective organizations and across the world. My last meeting in New York happened just a few hours before heading to the airport in a coffee shop where I met Jeremy Hockenstein, the managing director at Livelihood Impact Fund. We had an insightful chat about our work and jobs for persons with disabilities.
Collaborating with these disability inclusion leaders was an enriching experience as we shared insights, exchanged ideas, and explored avenues for future collaborations. Their expertise and dedication to disability inclusion serve as an inspiration to drive positive change and create a more inclusive world. Together, we are working towards the goal of ensuring access to assistive technology for all.
As I reflect back on these experiences, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and a sense of belonging in the global disability rights movement. Special thanks to Leah Waru-Chiira, Leah Cherono, Pascal Bijleveld, Ceridwen Johnson and Eric Lipp who worked in the background and foreground ensuring my accessibility and accommodation needs were met during the visit to New York.
Read Bernard and Pascal’s OpEd in Sci Dev: Investing in assistive tech is a smart choice for govts