(1st meeting) 18th session of the Conference of…

This year's theme focuses on enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities in the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development. Key topics include innovative financing for empowerment, artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for inclusivity, and recognizing the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities.

Opening of the Conference of States Parties (item 1) chaired by Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, UNDESA

Election of Officers (item 2)

Adoption of the agenda (item 3): chaired by President of the Conference, Sri Lanka

Organization of work (item 4)

Opening remarks:

1. President of Conference

2. H.E Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations

3. H.E Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly (video message)

4. Ms. Miyeon Kim, Chairperson, Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

5. Ms. Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

6. Dr. Joseph Murray, Civil Society Representative, World Federation of the Deaf

7. Ms. Julia Kazmierczak, Youth Representative, Jan Siestrzynski Secondary School for the Deaf in Warsaw and Member of the Academy of the Deaf Foundation, Poland

Matters related to the implementation of the Convention: (item 5a): general debate*