Introduction - United Nations



[pic][pic] [pic] [pic][pic] [pic][pic] [pic][pic][pic]

Co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Kenya, Brazil, Thailand, Philippines, Global Partnership for Disability and Development, Disabled People’s International, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Rehabilitation International and the World Bank

UN DESA Forum: Dialogue on Post-2015 Development

Frameworks and Disability

Report

19 - 20 July, 2013

Conference Room 4, UN Headquarters, New York

An unedited report. The views expressed in this document are those of the experts and do not necessarily represent the views of the United Nations, nor co-sponsoring Governments or organizations.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………3

2. Key Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations ……...…………………………………4

1. Mainstream disability in the post-2015 development agenda and frameworks, including in measurable goals, supported by clear targets and indicators

2. Incorporate accessibility, universal and inclusive design as an integral part of sustainable and inclusive development

3. Integrate disability in the post-2015 frameworks on disaster risk reduction

4. Strengthen international cooperation and partnership among multi-stakeholders

3. Specific recommendations for UNDESA……………………………………..………………11

4. Summary of Proceedings……………………………………………………………………….12

1. Opening of the Forum

1. Welcome Statement

2. Keynote Statement

2. Session 1: Interactive dialogue on Post- 2015 development frameworks and disability

1. Lessons learnt from the MDGs

2. Emerging post-2015 global development goals and frameworks

3. Natural disaster reduction framework

4. Integrated transport

5. Accessible tourism and infrastructure

6. Access to basic public services and facilities

3. Session 2: Panel discussion on the post-2015 development framework on natural disaster reduction: disability inclusion in both policy and operational frameworks

4. Session 3: Panel discussion on ways forward towards a disability inclusive post-2015 development agenda: accessibility for sustainable and equitable development for all: disability inclusion in both policy and operational frameworks

5. Organization of Work…………………………………………………………………………..16

1. Attendance

2. Documentation

3. Opening of the Meeting

4. Adoption of the Agenda

5. Adoption of Recommendations

6. Closing of the Meeting

6. Annexes…………………………………………………………………………………………..18

I. Agenda and Programme

II. List of Participants

1. Introduction

The inaugural “UN DESA Forum: Dialogue on Post-2015 Development Frameworks and Disability” was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 19 to 20 July 2013 under the theme “Making Development Real for All”.

The DESA Forum on disability and development is a new initiative of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the global focal point on disability within the UN System. In line with the vision of the United Nations to promote inclusive and sustainable development for all, the objective of establishing the Forum is to contribute to the collective endeavor of the international community to advance inclusive development from the disability perspective, especially in the current context of the emerging post-2015 development framework.

More specifically, the DESA Forum aims to: (1) facilitate policy dialogue concerning disability inclusion in development policy and practice; (2) provide space to development actors and partners to exchange knowledge, ideas, expertise and successful solutions; (3) serve as a “market” place to showcase replicable solutions and good practices and form partnership to scale up impact.

Co-sponsors of the Forum included Brazil, Kenya, Philippines, Thailand, the World Bank, Disabled People’s International, Global Partnership on Disability and Development, Rehabilitation International, and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

A wide range of stakeholders convened to develop concrete ideas for a way forward toward a development agenda that is inclusive of all—including persons with disabilities. Participants exchanged their experiences and ideas in key areas of international development policy, implementation, monitoring and evaluation toward the goal of development for ALL.

The Forum consisted of three sessions: its first session on the afternoon of July 19 was entitled: “Interactive dialogue on Post- 2015 development frameworks and disability”. Immediately following was the second session on the same day under the title: “Panel discussion on the post-2015 development framework on natural disaster reduction: disability inclusion in both policy and operational frameworks”. During the morning of July 20, the third session was held entitled “Panel discussion on ways forward towards a disability inclusive post-2015 development agenda: accessibility for sustainable and equitable development for all.” Discussions took place in an interactive format with experts presenting briefings on select development-disability issues followed by respondents, who provided different perspectives. Discussions were organized along the lines of: a) Overview of global trends and issues concerning natural disaster and risk reduction in the context of sustainable and inclusive development; (b) Lessons learnt from the past, and promising practices to mainstream and include disability in national and international policies and practices and (c) Entry points, action-oriented options and ways forward towards an inclusive post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework.

Outcomes of the Forum are expected to contribute to on-going discussions concerning the post-2015 development agenda, as well as the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Disability and Development (23 September 2013). It is also intended that the Forum, the first in a series of forums organized by DESA to explore options for practical action to “make development real for all”, will continue to remain an arena to initiate networks of scholars, practitioners, experts and advocates and broaden collaborative efforts on specific issue areas on disability and development, inclusive of persons with disabilities and their communities toward 2015 and beyond.

2. Key Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

2.1. Mainstream disability in the post-2015 development agenda and frameworks, including in measurable goals, supported by clear targets and indicators

In line with on-going discussions and processes related to realization of the MDGs and emerging post-2015 development agenda, it was noted that for development to be sustainable and equitable, disability would have to be an integral part of the post-2015 agenda and included as a cross-cutting development issue. Although 80% of the world’s 1 billion people living with disabilities live in developing countries, it was estimated that only 3-4% benefit from development efforts. Thus, the omission of a disability perspective and persons with disabilities in the compounding development targets and indicators has prevented them from benefiting from advances availed to others, under the MDGs. It is thus important to focus on a social model that places disability within the realm of major barriers to confronting global poverty, that are addressed by the MDGs and any future internationally agreed development goals.

The well-recognized disability and development gap thus indicates that the post-2015 agenda will not succeed without the inclusion of disability, and will pose a significant missed opportunity for development. Interventions could be made in areas such as the physical environment (habitat, urban and rural development, water, sanitation,) as well as transport and tourism sectors where new innovations are happening and where standards of inclusion and accessibility started being integrated in implementation plans. They would have to be backed by disaggregated data, to monitor and track progress at the country level.

More specifically, for example, disability-related indicators could be incorporated in disaster risk reduction frameworks, their monitoring and evaluation, beyond 2015. Sustainable transport goals also could be included in the Sustainable Development Goals, either as a goal itself or as a separate sectoral enabling goal dealing with transport, energy, and water, in order to promote inclusiveness and universal access. The goal could include among other indicators, that all urban households be able to access jobs, goods, and services in 30 minutes by public transport or cycling and walking; that traffic deaths be cut in half by 2025 with an ultimate vision of zero fatalities and that Greenhouse emissions peak by 2020 and cut by 40-60% compared to 2005 levels.

In the roadmap for a post-2015 development agenda, all issues have to be addressed from a sustainable development perspective, whereby inequalities are tackled with a focus on participation for marginalized groups as well as to foster equality of opportunities and outcomes for all. So far, post-2015 consultations and discussions in the Open Working Group are showing strong consensus on the need to address inequalities, adopt non-discriminatory policies and ensure the rights and participation of persons with disabilities. As a way forward, the global agenda is expected to provide a global norm and an advocacy tool to drive commitments towards issues related to disabilities in a manner that systematically integrates the three dimensions of sustainable development: social development, economic development and environmental sustainability.

2.2. Incorporate accessibility, universal and inclusive design as an integral part of sustainable and inclusive development

Environmental accessibility was recognized as fundamental for participation of everyone in society and development. A link was made between affordable transport, universal access to basic public services and sustainable development. Universal and equitable access is a key element of sustainable development, but in sectors such as health, employment, and education, it cannot happen if transportation is inaccessible.

It was noted that accessibility is increasingly achieved through universal design, use of assistive technologies, and provision of reasonable accommodation among others. These interventions contribute to resilience, by enhancing sustainability.

With urbanization on the rise however, accessibility standards are not being met in most infrastructure development projects in a number of areas across the world. Examples of how urban infrastructure can be inaccessible include among others poor maintenance, drainage, rough terrain, and ongoing construction. But alongside the constrains of urbanization also lies opportunities for improvement based on already available good practice in order to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation.

A new emerging paradigm of inclusive and sustainable transportation was highlighted. It allocates space, giving priority to the usage of public transportation (Paratransit and Door-to-Door Van Service, Bus Rapid Transit) while paying attention to special needs of users in the public ( for example the Ciclovia program of Bogotá, Colombia), when universal design codes are applied. Other solutions for increasing accessible mobility were the construction of an entirely new accessible network, construction of a network of accessible footpaths and sidewalks, or calm traffic so that all roads are accessible. Such an inclusive approach proves to be more sustainable, and thus enabling for much lower overall costs to society and the environment than the current patterns, which create unequal access and impose high costs in health and lost productivity of people with disabilities, who could otherwise be more productive in society and development.

City-to-city approaches are other solutions to accessible public transport with the spread of universal design for rapid public bus systems in Latin America and India which presented as good examples. This lateral model succeeded from Curitiba in Brazil, to Bogotá Colombia and then to Quito, Ecuador. Cities that have been successful in this regard listen and learn from persons with disabilities, have policy frameworks in place, regulations are in place to help implement policy frameworks, specialized staff have been assigned and past mistakes are corrected and there is effective coordination amongst interested parties. There is an ongoing effort to promote best practices in urban system design and management to accommodate persons with disabilities. It is also important to adopt universal design standards that enable engineers to make the right designs from the start in a manner that supports universal access and sustainable mobility.

Tourism was cited as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries. Increasingly, the development of tourism is seen as part of the national development strategies as an effective driver of economic growth and inclusive development because it creates jobs and promotes the well being for communities. However, its potential is undermined by challenges posed by access by customers. Evidence presented indicated that the entire chain of air travel, which facilitates tourism through increased mobility, does not fulfil the accessibility needs of the diverse array of mobility challenges faced by persons with disabilities and other users from start to finish of their journeys, posing a loss to society of potential economic gains. Noted was often the absence of visual and audible information and existence of poor signage; there is a lack of staff cognizant with accessibility needs of persons with disabilities; security searches can be insensitive, embarrassing, uncomfortable and inconveniencing; persons with disabilities can be denied to board aircrafts; safety briefings on board are not available in accessible formats; washrooms do not accommodate people with some handicaps; compensation of lost luggage does not cover some wheelchairs, among others. It was noted that older people are increasingly pursing travel, and the link between disability and age is well-proven. For this demographic to be capitalized upon, integration of accessibility standards in expansion and strategic plans of the tourist sector are imperative.

Aviation is a global business; yet many regulations on accessibility are still not standardized or harmonized. In some parts of the world, there are no requirements to fulfil standards for accessibility or rights for passengers. In other instances such as the United States’ Air Carriers Access Act is a rather robust regulation, but it is not compatible with that of European laws, for example. Although there has been some guidance on standards and good practice by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), it is not always enforceable or enforced everywhere. The codes by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that designate services during air travel are frequently misunderstood. Air travel thus requires the establishment of universal and compatible policies and standards in order to create confidence for travellers in a manner that promotes inclusiveness and fuller accessibility.

A report by the World Tourism Organization with recommendations on accessible tourism will be presented this year, 2013, at the organization’s General Assembly session, will highlight 7 principles of Universal Design, which will hopefully be reflected in a resolution adopted by the General Assembly. The principles include: Equitable use, Flexibility in use, Simple and intuitive use, Perceptible Information, Tolerance for error, Low physical effort, Size and space for approach and use. They are to ensure that persons with disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, transportation, ICT, including computer systems and, and other services and facilities open to the public or for public use, in urban areas as well as rural and coastal zones.

It was also recognized that exclusion and lack of access are some of the greatest global risks, in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs), which are increasingly the entryway to all aspects of our lives including access to government services. Whereas specialized Assistive Technology (AT), was originally intended to bridge the gap to reach anyone that requires alternative access systems, such as persons with disabilities, it is becoming inadequate and disintegrating; AT is increasing in cost, but decreasing in availability, functionality, reliability and diversity. There is therefore a need for a new inclusive and universal design that is sustainable, integrated, and takes advantage of technical advances to include the full spectrum of users who face barriers, recognizes that persons with disabilities are diverse, and is globally available. Mainstreaming digital inclusion recognizes and serves the full spectrum of human diversity; reduces barriers to entry and provides equal opportunities. In this regard, it requires global cooperation, in order to enable greater diversity and participation by persons with disabilities.

A call to action founded on evidence-based solutions and good practices in enabling accessibility was encouraged and a number of stakeholders were pointed out to advance the accessibility agenda in more tangible ways. The UN was called upon to prepare manuals, guidelines that could act as a check-list for meeting specific minimum standards for accessibility. NGOs were also mentioned as having a major role to play- they could inspect infrastructure, such as transportation systems and monitor and provide updates on the compliance with accessibility standards; they could also offer capacity-building courses and modules to policy makers, practitioners, and other actors, who legislate on, implement and also regulate programmes that have an accessibility component and thus implication for persons with disabilities.

Cost needs to be taken into consideration when implementing accessibility standards. This is in addition to allocating clear responsibility for accountability purposes. At the national level, for example, ministries in charge of sectors such as health or education are clear. But for accessibility, a cross-cutting issue; the responsibility seems to lie on every ministry, based on in its own mandate and competency, thereby making it difficult to hold parties accountable. Moreover, with no clear mandate, it is difficult to make budget allocations, specific to accessibility. It is thus necessary to clearly assign responsibility and encourage collaboration for policy and programmes whose purpose is to establish, implement, and monitor accessibility standards.

3. Integrate disability in the post-2015 frameowrks on disaster risk reduction

Disaster risk reduction was one thematic area for which discussions centered on how it could be integrated in both policy and operational frameworks in the context of the post-2015 development framework.

It was noted that persons with disabilities are at higher risk of death, injury and secondary impairments, as a result of exclusion from disaster risk reduction policies, plans and programmes. Whereas very often, public service announcements are in formats and language that are not accessible to persons with disabilities, and emergency exits, shelters and facilities tend not to be barrier-free. Thus, physical and information infrastructure that incorporates universal design principles was noted as potentially improving the chances of safety and survival. To this end, Goal 7 of the recently released Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific was mentioned as providing guidance on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in emergency situations. The Goal calls for ensuring disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management; it has specific targets and mentions indicators that could be track progress.

The central role of innovative technology to gather and disseminate reliable and timely information targeted to persons with disabilities, and also to alert on accessible services such as medical care during emergency response was also recognized. During the Great Tohoku Japan Earthquake & Tsunami which took place on March 11th, 2011, among nearly 20,000 victims, the mortality rate of persons with disabilities was more than that of general population, according to government reports. Reasons for this include lack of preparation and planning; lack of access to early warning systems and information on evacuation responses, among others. Thus, in Japan for example, early warning systems are now being put in place to ensure that people with cognitive disabilities and physical disabilities are notified of any impending and future earthquakes. Captioning and sign language interpretation for public television news programs are examples of best case practices in this regard. This disability disability-inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction and management is viewed as essential for building disaster-resilient communities.

Accordingly, a call was made for the ongoing work on the post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework (Hyogo Framework for action 2005-2015, HFA2) to be transformational in its quest for a disaster resilient planet, and that is attainable through inclusiveness. A strong message was that disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, preparedness and emergency management should not be an isolated concern. It is an investment that benefits all members of the society and has positive returns. All participants highlighted the need for greater involvement of persons with disabilities in all stages of disaster risk management as very critical in this area of work.

1. Strengthen international cooperation and partnership among multi-stakeholders

The need for strengthened cooperation and building of partnerships for work on programs and policies related to persons with disabilities was emphasized. Global cooperation and partnership is especially important for the enactment, and reinforcement of compliance to standards and regulations in sectors such as disaster risk reduction, ICT, transportation, whose operation is normally across borders and from which credible data, could aid in the assessment of the situation of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in society as a whole.

Specifically to sustainable development and the consultation process of the post-2015 development agenda, partnerships with civil society organizations that work on the ground was seen as a way of bridging the knowledge gap with programme innovation and policy recommendations. In the area of transportation and technology transfer for example, partnerships with contributions from various stakeholders are necessary in the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.

Partnerships in areas of capacity-building to facilitate well-coordinated efforts for disability-inclusion were emphasized. Academic and research institutions were deemed central to advancing and disseminating knowledge and information in the area of accessibility. Yet, only a few academic institutions have established curricula on accessibility. In order to create a pool of practitioners and engineers in the areas of accessible and sustainable infrastructure such as transport for example, more training and capacity building is necessary.

It was reiterated though that for such cooperation and partnership to succeed, there is need to make sufficient budget allocations to facilitate implementation. International agencies were recognized for establishing monitoring policies and practices, and donors for administrative and financial support to achieve further inclusion.

3. Specific recommendations for UN DESA

UN DESA, the global focal point on disability within the UN System, was called upon to sustain the DESA Forum as a platform to strengthen and promote international cooperation in the field of disability-inclusive development.

A number of specific initiatives include, among others:

1. Establishment of a Disability-inclusive Development Knowledge and Technologies Exchange Platform/Portal;

2. To develop a catalogued Disability-inclusive development solutions databank;

3. To develop a disability-inclusive Solutions and Technologies Transfer Mechanism and finally,

4. To further strengthen and have the full play of the roles of the United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability in advancing disability inclusive development.

4. Summary of Proceedings

1. Opening of the Forum

The DESA Forum was called to order on the afternoon of 19 July by Ms. Daniela Bas of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, who formally opened the meeting. Immediately following was a statement by H.E. Ambassador Dejan Šahović, Deputy-Chef de Cabinet, Office of the President of the General Assembly, on behalf of the President of the General Assembly.

In her opening and welcome statement, on behalf of DESA, Ms. Bas formally opened the DESA Forum, thanking all sponsors and contributors for their support. She explained that the Forum’s objective--the first in a series toward 2015 and beyond--is to contribute to the on-going discussion towards a post-2015 development agenda, as well as the General Assembly High-level Meeting on Disability and Development, by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to exchange ideas and experiences in strategic areas pertaining to disability inclusion in development. She mentioned that despite the international community’s commitment to the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development, disability has remained invisible in many development frameworks.

H.E. Ambassador Dejan Šahović, in his keynote statement, thanked the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for its initiative and leadership, and also the sponsors, noting that the Forum will address a vital issue of concern for the international community: the full and equal participation of all, including persons with disabilities, in development. He emphasized that while the international community has achieved many gains under the framework of the MDGs, these gains have not been enjoyed equally within societies particularly by marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities– the world’s largest minority. He hoped that the day’s Interactive Dialogue would contribute to understanding of the different entry points into which disability can be practically included in all post-2015 development frameworks. In his view, the post-2015 development agenda should be inclusive, transformative and sustainable. The Agenda should set the stage for the crafting of a new global partnership in which inequalities are overcome and opportunities equalized for all, including persons with disabilities.

2. Session 1: dialogue on Post- 2015 development frameworks and disability

Session 1 was moderated by Ms Daniela Bas, Director of Division for Social Policy and Development of DESA during which six speakers made presentations. In setting the stage for the dialogue by providing an overview of the global development framework, two speakers made presentations. Ms. Nora Groce of the Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre and Professor of University College London presented on “Lessons learnt from the MDGs.” Ms. Diane Alarcon of UNDESA spoke on the “Emerging post-2015 global development goals and frameworks”.

Following were four speakers, who made presentations on “Select issue areas concerning inclusive, sustainable and equitable development for all:  building networks and partnership for actions toward 2015 and beyond.” Ms. Margareta Wahlstom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) presented on the “Natural disaster reduction framework”. Mr. Michael Replogle, Founder, Institute for Transportation & Development Policy presented on the topic of “Integrated transport”. The presentation by Mr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman, Deputy Special Representative of the World Tourism Organization focused on “Accessible tourism and infrastructure” and finally Mr. Yiping Zhou, Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation was on “Access to basic public services and facilities”.

Discussants included Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura (DAISY Consortiums, Japan); Dr. Chapal Khasnabis (CBR, WHO); Ms.Venus Ilagan (Rehabilitation International), who highlighted the urgency of eliminating discrimination and removal of complex barriers to enhance accessibility to public services, the role of technology development to enhance accessible knowledge and publications, financial inclusion, promotion of education, and the reduction of poverty, as part of the few sectors to be targeted in a post-2015 disability inclusive agenda, and ways forward for the enforcement of accessibility standards.

3. Session 2: Panel discussion on the post-2015 development framework on natural disaster reduction: disability inclusion in both policy and operational frameworks

This Session was moderated by UN DESA. Presentations were made by five speakers including Mr. Neil McFarlane, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR); Ms, Marcie Roth US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Mr. Nobuyuki Hiruma, NHK Television, Japan; Ms. Ann Marit Saebones, Ministry of Social Affairs, Norway; and Ms. Henritta Davis-Wray, Combined Disabilities Association, Jamaica. Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura (DAISY International), who shared on the experience of a successful partnership pilot project, where people with severe psycho-social disabilities became champions of evacuations through their ability to help themselves, during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, after being trained in drills, was a discussant.

A strong message that came out from the session was that in light if increasing occurrences of natural disasters, disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction should not be seen as an isolated concern but rather an investment that benefits all members of society in future. Many participants highlighted the need for greater involvement of persons with disabilities in all stages of disaster risk management and long-term planning to reduce risk was a critical in this aspect. Information and resource sharing on best practices in this regard was also emphasized.

Concrete examples were shared of technological aspect of disaster risk reduction, including cases of early warning systems, use of information and communications technology with special voice alert and text (close captioning) in emergency broadcasting to save lives during the 2011 East Japan Tsunami disaster. The role of the media and government in providing advisories to protect persons with disabilities during relief and rescue operations was mentioned, alongside the need to train personnel who would undertake these missions.

Work underway to develop a successor to the Hyogo Framework for Action 2010-2015--which is the current international instrument to deal with disaster--was mentioned. Emphasis of this new framework will be on a targeted approach to recognize the cross-cutting issue of disability-inclusion, the significance of investing in disability-inclusive disaster reduction to minimize human and economic loss, safe guard development gains and promote sustainable solutions that benefit all, while ensuring he full and effective participation of persons with disabilities and all other stakeholders.

The experience of the US was mentioned on integrating preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation with the goal of working with all stakeholders to integrate and coordinate communities in emergency response and recovery. Note was made that persons with disabilities are seen as an asset. As a good practice, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency integrates persons with disabilities from a young age in community programs on disaster management through the assistance of trained and deployable disability integration advisors. It is also guided by key principles of disability rights and non-discrimination rights that apply for disability inclusive disaster risk reduction.

An important point was raised on the need to include the disability perspective during assessment, planning, response, and reconstruction in situations of conflicts and armed violence in addition to natural disasters, by building synergies between the various policy frameworks on conflict and armed violence and on disability.

Looking at the experience from the Caribbean region countries, emphasis was made on the need to raise awareness, strengthen multi-sectoral coordination and promote efficiency of disaster risk reduction and management, during planning of evacuations as opposed to mere relief after disasters happen. The important role of mental health and psycho-therapy by trained personnel to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities back into society was also emphasized.

4.4. Session 3: Panel discussion on ways forward towards a disability inclusive post-2015 development agenda: accessibility for sustainable and equitable development for all: disability inclusion in both policy and operational frameworks

The session was opened by Ms. Daniela Bas and moderated by Mr. Shuaib Chalklen, UN Special Rapporetur on Disability of the Commission for Social Development.

The Panel was comprised of Mr. Michael Replogle, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy; Mr. Michael King, Nelson Nygaard Consulting USA; Mr. Holger Dalkmann, EMBARQ World Resource Institute; Mr. Tom Rickert, Access Exchange International; Mr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman, UN World Tourism Organisation; Ms. Ann Frye, consultant in transportation and disability issues in UK; Ms. Jutta Trevinarus, Inclusive Design Institute OCAD University, Canada.

Panelists emphasized the critical importance of sustainable transportation, accessible tourism and ICTs, which in turn enable access to jobs, education, family and friends, among others. Moreover, universal features for transportation, architecture and travel are for ALL - women, children, persons with disabilities, tourists, older persons, due to rapidly growing aging population worldwide. In this regard, there is a tremendous and growing market for accessible travel and tourism.

The panelists also noted that, in this regard, sustainable transport, universal access and sustainable development are inextricably linked and proposed that sustainable transport goals should be considered in the process toward the sustainable development goals.

Based on recent trends, many cities are learning the value of taking an integrated approach to transportation, and are bringing together interested parties to create access, including to public space and transit. In this regard, there is a need for top-down and bottom-up approaches, as well as lateral city-to-city approaches.

In terms of recommendations for improved accessibility of travel and tourism, participants noted the need for universal and compatible policies and standards and capacity-building of human resource at all levels, among others.

The UN World Tourism Organization also highlighted the 7 principles for Universal Design that are mentioned in its 2013 report. Moreover, allocating budgets to finance accessibility was also emphasized by all panelists.

4. Organization of Work

5.1 Attendance

The Forum was attended by a diverse group of development and disability experts from various sectors including the United Nations system, government, private sector and civil society organizations (See Annex I). In attendance were also approximately 100 participants throughout the programme, creating an instant venue for an energetic and robust exchange of experiences and ideas on inclusion of the disability perspective in development.

5.2 Documentation

The reference documents and presentations are posted on the Enable Website at:

5.3 Opening of the Forum

The inaugural DESA Forum was opened during the afternoon of July 19 by Ms Daniela Bas, Director of Division for Social Policy and Development, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. H.E. Ambassador Dejan Šahović, Deputy-Chef de Cabinet, Office of the President of the General Assembly, made a statement on behalf of the President of the General Assembly.

5.4 Adoption of the Agenda and programme

The Forum had an agenda and programme as presented in Annex I.

5.5 Adoption of Recommendations

During the closing of the Forum on July 20, conclusions and recommendations were adopted.

5.6 Closing of the Meeting

The Forum was closed during the afternoon of 20 July 2013.

Annex I.

Draft Programme

|Friday, 19 July |

|Session 1: Interactive dialogue on Post- 2015 development frameworks and disability |

|2:00 – 2.15 p.m. |Opening of the Forum (DESA) |

| | |

| |Statement by the President of the 67th session of the General Assembly |

| | |

| |Introduction of the Resource Persons |

| | |

|2:15 – 3.00 p.m. |Introductory Presentations by Resource Persons as follows: |

| |Facilitator: Representative of the PGA |

| | |

| |Setting the Stage for the Dialogue: Overview of the global development framework |

| |Lessons learnt from the MDGs: Ms. Nora Groce, Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, |

| |Professor of University College London |

| | |

| |Emerging post-2015 global development goals and frameworks: Ms. Diane Alarcon, UN DESA |

| | |

| |Select issue areas concerning inclusive, sustainable and equitable development for all: building networks and |

| |partnership for actions toward 2015 and beyond |

| |Natural disaster reduction framework: Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, |

| |United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) |

| | |

| |Integrated transport: Mr. Michael Replogle, Founder, Institute for Transportation & Development Policy |

| | |

| |Accessible tourism and infrastructure: Mr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman, Deputy Special Representative, World Tourism |

| |Organization |

| | |

| |Access to basic public services and facilities: Mr. Yiping Zhou, Director, UN Office for South-South Cooperation |

|3:00 – 3.55 p.m. |Interactive Dialogue (Q & A) |

| | |

| |Discussants include: |

| |Dr. Takayuki Hiruma (NHK Television, Japan); Ms. Marcie Roth (FEMA, USA); Ms. Ann Marit Saebones (Ministry of |

| |Social Affairs, Norway); Ms. Ann Frye (UK); Mr. Monthian Butan (Senate, Thailand); Mr. Michael King (Nelson |

| |Nygaard Consulting, USA); Mr. Tom Rickert (Access Exchange International); Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura (Daisy Global); |

| |Dr. Chapal Khasnabis (CBR, WHO); |

| |Ms. Venus Ilagan (Rehabilitation International, Philippines); |

| |Mr. Javed Abidi (Disabled People’s International, India); Ms. Maria Veronica Reina (Global Partnership for |

| |Disability and Development, Argentina); Ms. Alesandra Posarac (World Bank); Mr. Joshua Goldstein (Director of |

| |Economic Citizenship and Disability Inclusion); Ms. Charmine Crokett, (University of Hawaii); Mrs. Isabelle |

| |Ducharme (Kéroul, Canada) |

| | |

| |Summary and Closing |

| | |

|3:55 – 4.00 p.m. | |

|Session 2: Panel discussion on the post-2015 development framework on natural disaster reduction: disability inclusion in both policy and operational|

|frameworks |

|4:00 – 5.00 p.m. |Panel Presentations and Discussion |

| | |

| |Facilitator: UN DESA |

| |Panelists: |

| | |

| |Mr. Neil MacFarlance, United Nations Office for Natural Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) |

| |Ms. Marcie Roth, US Federal Emergency Management Agency |

| |Mr. Nobuyuki Hiruma, NHK Television, Japan |

| |Ms. Ann Marit Saebones, Ministry of Social Affairs, Norway |

| |Ms. Henritta Davis- Wray, Combined Disabilities Association, Jamaica |

| | |

| |Presentations will include national, regional and global perspectives and contexts with a focus on: (a) Overview |

| |of global trends and issues concerning policies and corresponding measures for natural disaster and risk |

| |reduction in the context of sustainable and inclusive development; (b) Lessons learnt from the past, and |

| |promising practices to mainstream disability in national, regional global contexts and practices, and; (c) Entry |

| |points, action-oriented options and ways forward towards an inclusive post-2015 development agenda and framework.|

| | |

| |Discussants include: |

| |Mr. Shafiq-ur- Rehman (Milestone Society for Disabled Persons, Pakistan); Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura (DAISY |

| |International, Japan); Ms. Amna Ali Al Suwaidi (Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Qatar) |

| | |

| |Interaction, Summary and Closing |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

|5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | |

|Saturday, 20 July |

|Session 3: Panel discussion on ways forward towards a disability inclusive post-2015 development agenda : accessibility for sustainable and equitable|

|development for all |

|10:00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. |Panel Presentations and Discussion |

| | |

| |Facilitator: Mr. Shuaib Chalklen, UN Special Rapporteur on Disability of Commission for Social Development |

| | |

| |Panelists: |

| |Mr. Michael Replogle, Institute for Transportation & Development Policy |

| |Mr. Holger Dalkmann, EMBARQ, World Resources Institute |

| |Mr. Tom Rickert, Access Exchange International |

| |Mr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman, UN World Tourism Organization |

| |Ms. Ann Frye, consultant in transportation and disability issues, UK |

| |Ms. Jutta Trevinarus, Inclusive Design Institute OCAD University, Canada |

| |Mr. Chapal Khasnabis, Disability and Rehabilitation, WHO |

| | |

| |Presentations and discussions will include national, regional and global perspectives and contexts with a focus |

| |on: (a) challenges faced in promoting environmental accessibility and their implication on sustainable and |

| |inclusive development; (b) Practical perspectives and approaches to advancing accessibility in the contexts of |

| |sustainable and inclusive development in areas including: integrated transportation, accessible tourism, |

| |infrastructures, ICTs, and access to public services. |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| |Interactive discussion (Q+A) |

| |Discussants include: |

| |Mr. Senarath Attanayake (Uva Provincial Council Member, Sri Lanka), Ms. Venus Ilagan (Rehabilitation |

| |International), Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura (Japan), Mr. James Lalu (Global CBR Network, Nigeria), Ms. Sylvana Lakkis, |

| |(Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union) |

|11:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. | |

| |Summary and follow-up: building innovative networks on development and disability for next steps |

| | |

| |Closing remarks (DESA) |

| | |

| |Closure of the Forum |

| | |

|12.30 pm - 12:50 pm | |

| | |

| | |

|12.55 pm - 13:00 pm | |

| | |

|13:00 pm | |

Annex II.

List of Participants

|Name |Affiliation |

|H.E. Ambassador Dejan Šahović |Office of the President of the General Assembly |

|Ms. Daniela Bas |Division for Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic |

| |and Social Affairs (DESA) |

|Mr. Javed Abidi  |Disabled People’s International |

|Ms. Diane Alarcon |Department of Economic and Social Affairs |

|Mr. Senarath Attanayake |Uva Provincial Council Member, Sri Lanka |

|Mr. Monthian Butan |Senate, Thailand |

|Ms. Charmaine Crokett, |University of Hawaii |

|Mr. Holger Dalkmann |EMBARQ, World Resources Institute |

|Ms. Henritta Davis- Wray |Combined Disabilities Association, Jamaica  |

|Mrs. Isabelle Ducharme |Kéroul, Canada |

|Ms. Ann Frye |Consultant in transportation and disability issues, UK |

|Mr. Joshua Goldstein |Economic Citizenship and Disability Inclusion, ACCION |

|Ms. Nora Groce |Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, |

| |University College London |

|Mr. Nobuyuki Hiruma |NHK Television, Japan |

|Ms. Venus Ilagan |Rehabilitation International |

|Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura |DAISY Consortiums |

|Dr. Chapal Khasnabis |World Health Organization |

|Mr. Michael King |Nelson Nygaard Consulting, USA |

|Ms. Sylvana Lakkis, |Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union |

|Mr. Neil MacFarlance |United Nations Office for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) |

|Ms. Alesandra Posarac |World Bank |

|Mr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman |World Tourism Organization |

|Mr. Davud Rehimli |Disabled People’s International, Azerbaijan |

|Mr. Shafiq-ur- Rehman |Milestone Society for Disabled People's International, Disabled |

| |Persons, Pakistan |

|Ms. Maria Veronica Reina |Global Partnership for Disability and Development, Argentina |

|Mr. Michael Replogle |Institute for Transportation & Development Policy |

|Mr. Tom Rickert |Access Exchange International |

|Ms. Marcie Roth |US Federal Emergency Management Agency |

|Ms. Ann Marit Saebones |Ministry of Social Affairs, Norway |

|Ms. Amna Ali Al Suwaidi |Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Qatar |

|Ms. Jutta Trevinarus |Inclusive Design Institute OCAD University, Canada |

|Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom |United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) |

|Mr. Yiping Zhou |UN Office for South-South Cooperation |

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download