The online side event “Advancing the Copenhagen Declaration Commitments through Age and Disability-Inclusive Social Protection” will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM EST. The event will take place during the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63).
Register here: https://cbm-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/7317368646953/WN_USVAz8Z1SUmmfYj1RpGg6A#/registration
This webinar aims to introduce Age and Disability-Inclusive Social Protection (ADISP) as the key driver of intergenerational equity, and to foster dialogue and knowledge-sharing, and promote understanding of how ADISP will advance the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, especially pertinent in these times of protracted globalized crises. Distinguished experts will frame ADISP and intergenerational equity conceptually and discuss best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to engaging with these at a policy and programmatic level. The discussion will also explore the intersectional dimensions of social protection systems and the benefits of social protection floors (SPFs), particularly the overlapping rights and needs of persons with disabilities and older persons, highlighting their shared exclusions and vulnerabilities and the importance of inclusive solutions.
The event is co-organized by the GCSPF, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) with the support of USP2030.
Programme
Setting the Scene: Short overview on the Copenhagen Commitments
Speaker: Barbara Adams (Board Chair of Global Policy Forum)
Panel Discussion: Practitioners
Speakers: Dr. Shaun Grech (Global Technical Lead on Disability-Inclusive Social Protection, CBM; Honorary Associate Professor, University of Cape Town), Silvia Quan (President of “Colectivo Vida Independiente de Guatemala”; feminist and expert on the rights of persons with disabilities, former CRPD committee expert).
Panel Discussion: Governmental Perspectives on Social Protection
Speakers: Rose Bukania (Social Development Officer, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Kenya)
Panel Discussion: International Organizations
Speakers: Alexandre Cote (Social Policy Specialist, Social Protection and Disability Inclusion, UNICEF-HQ), Aliye Mosaad, (Social Affairs Officer with the DESA Programme on Ageing).
Q&A Session
Summary and report on key take-aways: The path ahead to the World Social Summit
Speaker: Barbara Adams (Board Chair of Global Policy Forum)
Moderator: Sylvia Beales Gelber (Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors - GCSPF, Gray Panthers)
Download the concept note here. Download bios.
Overview
Age and Disability-Inclusive Social Protection is increasingly critical in times of global unrest and crises. As the world ages, universal social protection across the life course ensures that persons with disabilities and older persons can better manage risks, maintain adequate levels of financial security, healthcare access, and food consumption, and sustain livelihoods that are resilient enough to prevent deeper poverty and exclusion.
Intergenerational equity is grounded in principles of fairness and justice when it comes to the distribution of resources, opportunities, and barriers across different generations in the bid to ensure that the needs and rights of both current and future generations are considered and protected.
This webinar aims to introduce Age and Disability-Inclusive Social Protection (ADISP) as the key driver of intergenerational equity, and to foster dialogue and knowledge-sharing, and promote understanding of how ADISP will advance the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, especially pertinent in these times of protracted globalized crises. Distinguished experts will frame ADISP and intergenerational equity conceptually and discuss best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to engaging with these at a policy and programmatic level. The discussion will also explore the intersectional dimensions of social protection systems and the benefits of social protection floors (SPFs), particularly the overlapping rights and needs of persons with disabilities and older persons, highlighting their shared exclusions and vulnerabilities and the importance of inclusive solutions.
The conversation will place ADISP and intergenerational equity within the broader context of the Copenhagen Declaration’s commitments, particularly to eradicate poverty, to promote social integration, ensure decent work and equitable access to social protection. The relationship between formal and informal approaches to social protection and the delivery of SPFs in contexts of extreme poverty in the Global South will be discussed. This dialogue will further emphasize the importance of responsive ADISP to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the SDGs. As we approach the Second World Summit on Social Development in 2025, these efforts are critical for strengthening solidarity, social cohesion, and inclusivity.
Insights from NGOs, UN agencies and thinktanks, including CBM and UNICEF, the Programme on Ageing Section of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the Global Policy Forum, age and disability-rights advocates, representatives of older persons’ organizations, governmental leaders, and grassroots practitioners, will provide valuable lessons and recommendations. Expert input will address challenges and opportunities in creating ADISP systems and approaches that contribute to intergenerational equity. The panel will consider implications for sustainable development and governance, financing strategies, and the interfacing of humanitarian and development spaces. Special emphasis will be placed on the active roles of persons with disabilities, older persons, and their respective organizations in leading these processes.
This event aims to serve as a rallying call for unified cross-sectoral action and political commitment towards the effective and inclusive social protection of all excluded and vulnerable groups. It will also provide a platform for participants to gain insights into effective advocacy strategies, practical mechanisms, and actionable steps to create inclusive, equitable, and sustainable age and disability inclusive social protection systems while working towards intergenerational equity.
