The 17th Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities took place from June 11 to June 13, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Honourable Kamal Khera Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities led Canada’s delegation this year.

Canada’s delegation also included representatives from Employment and Social Development Canada, Accessibility Standards Canada, as well as three youth representatives.

The overarching theme for this year’s COSP was, “Rethinking disability inclusion in the current international juncture and ahead of the Summit of the Future”. There were also roundtable discussions on each of the following sub-themes:

  1. International cooperation to promote technology innovations and transfer for an inclusive future;
  2. Persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies; and
  3. Promoting the rights of persons with disabilities to decent work and sustainable livelihood.

All formal sessions of COSP were live streamed online for public viewing. Information on COSP, including the full schedule, can be found on the United Nation’s website. Some examples of events include the following: 

  • Minister Khera delivered Canada’s high-level remarks during the opening session on June 11th.
  • Canada delivered an intervention during Roundtable 3, “Promoting the rights of persons with disabilities to decent work and sustainable livelihood”, on June 13, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (EDT).
  • Side events provided an excellent opportunity for Member States, UN entities, and NGOs to discuss the themes of COSP and other critical issues related to persons with disabilities.
  • Canada hosted a side event on “The intergenerational transfer of knowledge towards an inclusive future – A tribute to Steven Estey”. The side event will took place in-person June 12, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EDT).

The Government of Canada also co-sponsored the following side events:

  • “Legal Capacity Without Borders: The International Impact of Canada’s Legislative Advances in Supported Decision-Making”, hosted by Inclusion Canada.
  • “A Call to action to build a better Sierra Leone with and for women and girls with disabilities”, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN. A stage and a runway showcased performances by singers, musicians, dancers, and fashion models with disabilities.
  • “Art of Inclusion: Human Rights Education and Advocacy Led by People Labeled with Intellectual Disabilities”, hosted by ARCH Disability Law Centre.
  • “The future of Disability Rights is Feminist”, hosted by UN Women and Women Enabled International.