In this special feature, we have interviewed Shitaye Astawes, Director for Advocacy and Communications with African Disability Forum (ADF). We have discussed key takeaways from the Global Disability Summit and the 18th Session of the Conference of State Parties (COSP18) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). We explore the growing momentum for disability inclusion in climate-resilient agriculture, food systems and global advocacy platforms.
This interview focuses on the vital role of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), inclusive policy frameworks and international cooperation in achieving food security and climate resilience for all. The work of ADF and its partners continues to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities on the global stage.
Q: The Nairobi Declaration in September 2024 marked a significant step in promoting dialogue between persons with disabilities and authorities. We’ve seen increased engagement at the Global Disability Summit and now at COSP18. How are State Parties integrating disability inclusion into national food security strategies and climate-resilient agriculture frameworks, especially in rural and marginalised areas?
A: I am not yet closely following the latest developments in this area. However, State Parties can make significant progress by meaningfully involving and consulting organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in their policy planning and implementation. Scaling up learnings and good practices can facilitate the process and support better integration in rural and marginalised areas.
Q: ADF is the lead implementation partner for the We Are Able! (WaA!) programme in Africa. In your view, how is the WaA! Programme proving to be a helpful and effective community-led model, enhancing access to nutritious food and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities?
A: The We Are Able! programme can be considered as an effective community-led model as it actively involves OPDs as well as local and national public authorities. The programme has significantly strengthened the capacity of OPDs by enabling them to play major roles in project implementation and practices shift of power through the project implementation and at different levels.
Q: What mechanisms are currently in place to ensure that persons with disabilities, including women and youth, are meaningfully involved in food system governance and decision-making processes at both local and national levels?
A: One of the most important mechanisms is the establishment and strengthening of local OPDs and their networks. These organizations play a vital role in ensuring meaningful participation in food system governance, and their presence makes it easier to integrate persons with disabilities into decision-making processes at local and national levels.
Q: How are international development partners aligning their food security and humanitarian assistance programmes with the principles of the CRPD and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) to ensure no one is left behind?
A: Alignment can be achieved by actively involving community-based organizations and OPDs in the planning and implementation of these programmes. This goal can only be achieved when international development partners want to address the gaps and start including disability and organizations of persons with disabilities in their work. SDG2 cannot be achieved without including disability in their work and enhance improved service delivery.
Q: Finally, what was your overall experience of participating in COSP18 and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities at the United Nations level?
A: It was a positive and productive experience. International Disability Alliance did a great job coordinating OPD participation and ensuring timely communication. For ADF, COSP18 provided valuable opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships, expand networks and form new collaborations. I also held bilateral meetings with several of our partners, which supported our engagement and advancing our shared goals.