MSI Asia Pacific’s Post

PWDA joined the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC), and 18 disability and international development organisations, in welcoming the release of the Australian Government’s new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS). For the first time, the Australian government has set a target for performance on disability equity across all international and humanitarian efforts. The strategy sets a target for 60 per cent of all programming to be performing effectively on disability equity by 2026 with a staged approach to reach 70 per cent by 2030. This commitment is strongly welcomed by the sector – with leading Australian international development and domestic disability organisations coming together over the past 12 months to call for the strategy to be ambitious, accountable, and resourced. Read the full statement: https://buff.ly/3Vc04PG ID: Image shows the cover of the International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS).

The Australian Government’s upcoming International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS) is set to guide disability inclusion across Australia’s development program for the coming 5-10 years. The third such strategy, IDEARS comes at a critical time where, at the halfway mark of Agenda 2030, people with disabilities are the group left farthest behind in progress made. And people with disabilities risk falling yet further behind in the face of escalating climate crisis and economic upheaval. Along with colleagues in Australia’s development and disability sector and our regional partners, CBM Australia is calling on the government to ensure their forthcoming strategy goes far enough in addressing the needs and priorities of people with disabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. To achieve substantial and sustainable positive change in the lives of millions of people with disabilities in our region, CBM CEO @JaneDEdge says IDEARS needs to be ambitious, accountable and resourced. Read Jane’s call to action below > https://lnkd.in/gcd7cPVD

Did you know that globally women with disabilities are far less likely to be employed (32 %) than men without disabilities (70 %). And that is just one statistic. We need to eliminate the structural barriers that exclude women with disabilities from participating in decision-making. Governments must listen to women and conduct research on how to ensure the economic inclusion of women with #disabilities and budget accordingly within existing or new gender-focused policies and programmes. #EmbraceEquity #IWD2024. The Australian Government has a chance to make a significant difference to women with disabilities with their new IDEARS strategy. CBM Australia’s detailed submission to Government provides a detailed roadmap on a way forward.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must acknowledge that despite over a billion people with disabilities worldwide, they continue to face barriers to equal and meaningful participation. Disability rights are still missing from many political and development agendas - and this must change! Since 2018, the Global Disability Summit (GDS) has been igniting this change – bringing together governments, civil society, and OPDs to advance disability-inclusive development. Central to this is the commitments mechanism, which turns political will into action through measurable pledges from governments, the private sector, donors, and OPDs. The next edition of the GDS will take place on 2-3 April in Berlin, Germany, co-hosted by the Governments of Germany and Jordan and the International Disability Alliance. With the 2030 Agenda deadline approaching, it’s a critical moment to ensure disability rights are central to global development - because it’s impossible to reach those goals while leaving 16% of humankind behind. With over a billion reasons to #CommitToChange at the GDS 2025, are you ready to be part of the global movement? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gty8ukES #GDS2025 #CommitToChange German Information Centre Africa

Language shapes our understanding of the world. When disability is treated as a taboo or derogatory term, it reinforces harmful stereotypes. We must be mindful of the words we use and strive to speak about disability with respect and empathy. I am proud to be a woman with a disability, and having a disability has made me who I am and given me opportunities that I would not overdose have. Empowering people with disabilities to speak out and advocate for their rights is crucial. Our voices and experiences are vital in shaping policies and practices that promote equality. Supporting organisations and movements that champion disability rights can also amplify our voices and drive meaningful change. It’s time to reframe the way we think about disability. The following graphic is how society has framed the word Disability. Time for change indeed. Visual Description: A colourful graphic with the quote "Disability is almost a swear word: something to hide, something to be ashamed of." #2024DisabilityEmpowerment #DisabilitySupport #Representation

Disability Pride Month As an Australian, I find it important to recognise and celebrate global movements that promote inclusivity and equality. Today marks the beginning of Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July to honour the achievements, experiences, and history of the disability community. Disability Pride Month was initiated to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation was a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights for people with disabilities, breaking down barriers and ensuring greater access and opportunities. Although this celebration began in the United States, the values it promotes resonate worldwide. In Australia, we continue to strive for a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, equality, and pride. Let’s use this month to amplify the voices of people with disabilities, share their stories, and advocate for greater inclusivity and support. Together, we can continue to build communities that embrace diversity and empower all individuals. #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion #Equality #GlobalMovement #Community #ndis #outlookaustralia

AFDO-supported #cosp17 delegate William Ward-Boas' reflections on the COSP Side Event – Developing and Promoting Implementation of the CRPD and Disability Rights across the Commonwealth: Promoting CDPF Disability Inclusion Action Plan – Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN: "The meeting discussed advancing disability inclusion and rights across Commonwealth countries through adopting a Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Several speakers emphasized implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and removing barriers that prevent equal participation of persons with disabilities. There was a call to involve disabled persons' organizations in decision-making. Countries discussed best practices and challenges around inclusive education, employment quotas, and ensuring rights are upheld during crises like COVID-19. Overall, the discussion focused on collaborating across the Commonwealth to promote disability inclusion through sharing resources and mobilizing governments to support adopting the Action Plan".

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must acknowledge that despite over a billion people with disabilities worldwide, they continue to face barriers to equal and meaningful participation. Disability rights are still missing from many political and development agendas - and this must change!   Since 2018, the Global Disability Summit (GDS) has been igniting this change – bringing together governments, civil society, and OPDs to advance disability-inclusive development. Central to this is the commitments mechanism, which turns political will into action through measurable pledges from governments, the private sector, donors, and OPDs. The next edition of the GDS will take place on 2-3 April in Berlin, Germany, co-hosted by the Governments of Germany and Jordan and the International Disability Alliance.   With the 2030 Agenda deadline approaching, it’s a critical moment to ensure disability rights are central to global development - because it’s impossible to reach those goals while leaving 16% of humankind behind.   With over a billion reasons to #CommitToChange at the GDS 2025, are you ready to be part of the global movement?   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gty8ukES #GDS2025, #CommitToChange

Today we celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD). On this day we look to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with a disability. Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for International Day of People with Disability. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability. This year the theme is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. By striving for more people with disability in leadership roles we will make the world a fairer place for everyone, improve the lives of people with disabilities and create a more diverse and sustainable future. At Navigator Group we are passionate about being part of the solution for a more inclusive future for the 5.5 million people with disability in Australia and are joining this community to understand how we can challenge perceptions about disability, remove barriers, and promote inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours in our community. If you would like to learn more about how your organisation can do the same, join us in utilising the great resources provided here: International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) #IDPWD2024 #InternationalDayOfPeopleWithDisability #DisabilityLeadership #AmplifyDisabilityVoices #InclusiveFuture #DisabilityPride #LeadershipForAll #EmpowerThroughInclusion #SustainableLeadership