UCLG would be honored if you could join the celebration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 4 December 2025, from 14:00 to 15:15 CET.
This event marks the launch of a new initiative that UCLG will develop and present throughout 2026. It will also highlight next steps around accessibility at the World Urban Forum 13 and the 2026 UCLG World Congress. The event will bring together cities, associations, and international partners, including UN-Habitat, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Global Disability Fund.
Background
Today, more than half of all persons with disabilities and older persons live in cities and towns, making localization critical to accelerating the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), particularly Article 9 on Accessibility, to ensure that no one is left behind.
Building on the commitments made by local and regional governments (LRGs) during the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS), this event will launch an initiative designed to:
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Strengthen the capacity of LRGs to deliver and report on their GDS commitments.
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Expand knowledge of the commitments’ mechanisms and the Resilient and Inclusive Cities Hub (RICH) to other LRGs.
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Guide preparations for the 2026 UCLG World Congress and support LRGs’ active engagement in the fourth GDS in 2028.
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Ensure accessibility is strategically included as a cross-cutting priority in the Outcome Document of the UCLG World Congress and Summit of Local and Regional Governments.
The initiative will help LRGs advance human rights, renew commitments to equality and inclusion, enhance collaboration with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and benefit from knowledge shared through RICH. Outcomes from the event will culminate in a comprehensive report on LRG progress toward GDS commitments, guiding UCLG’s ongoing advocacy and engagement ahead of the fourth GDS.
Event Documents & Registration
UCLG looks forward to your participation in this important celebration and dialogue for accessibility, inclusion, and human rights.
