GDS Regional and National Consultations 2020-2021

The consultation process brought together governments, multilateral agencies, international organisations, representative Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and other stakeholders to dialogue about and commit towards concrete goals that promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in global development. It also promoted ownership of the GDS process among persons with disabilities and their representative organisations by considering the multidimensional challenges that have historically left out critical groups of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, particularly in the Global South.

The GDS consultations were strategically linked with other workshops and training (such as on CRPD and SDGs reporting, the rights of women, youth, and indigenous with disabilities, as well as other underrepresented groups, etc.) rather than singling them out as one-off focused events. The commitments from the GDS are being integrated as an additional tool among accountability mechanisms that OPDs can use. Recommendations have emerged from each of the consultations, in particular related to the GDS commitments made within countries. Through the consultations, OPDs identified thematic areas they would like to see prioritised including, education, employment, and economic empowerment, health, citizenship and participation, overcoming stigma and discrimination, and disability and COVID-19. 

The consultations indicated a positive impact of the GDS process. Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) also reported that, for the first time, governments are having a constructive dialogue on disability-inclusive development with persons with disabilities and planning together ahead of the GDS22. As a consequence, a report was developed analysing issues highlighted and deliberated by and with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations at the regional and national consultations held between October 2020 and April 2021. It also aimed to inform the priorities and set the agenda onwards and beyond the GDS22.

For further detailed information regarding the consultations, learn more at GDS Regional and National Consultations 2020-2021 Report Page