This fireside chat at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) brought together OPD representatives, government representatives, civil society organizations, multilateral representatives to discuss how international cooperation can accelerate implementation of the Nairobi Declaration on the rights of Persons with disabilities in a post-pandemic world: redefining inclusive development and humanitarian agenda in Africa on rights of persons in Africa. Speaking during the fireside chat, Fatma Wangare, Vice President, African Disability Forum (ADF), emphasized the importance of meaningful engagement of OPDs and the need to prioritize the Nairobi Declaration, calling upon development partners to utilize this declaration as guide of designing inclusive development cooperation.
Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Republic of Kenya mentioned that there was urgent need for countries that have not ratified the African Disability Protocol to do so as it will be important legal framework for implementing rights of persons with disabilities in Africa. “To those African nations yet to ratify the African Disability Protocol, we urge you to act now because disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative, but a fundamental human right. By ratifying the Protocol, you send a powerful message of solidarity, progress, and commitment to building an Africa where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive, contribute, and live with dignity. The time for change is now; together, let us build an Africa where no one is left behind.”
In her remarks, Ingar Düring Project Manager for BRIDGE Africa, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH reaffirmed BMZ commitment to boost implementation of rights of persons with disabilities in Africa, confirming that through the Boosting the Rights for Individuals with Disabilities in Africa (BRIDGE-Africa) Project. The BRIDGE-Africa project advises and allocates funding to umbrella organisations that bring together representative organisations and improve the participation of people with disabilities in development. This includes the International Disability Alliance (IDA) member, ADF.
