Yet another interesting topic and thanks Dan for posing this question on the discussion forum. The points made by colleagues to achieve disability inclusion in areas such as social protection education , decent work, data collection and inclusive climate action are critical but cannot happen without government ownership .
Though we have generated substantial evidence through research and some excellent tools have been developed to promote inclusive development, often governments in the developing countries do not effectively make use of them in developing policies or transforming policies, action plans and strategies for disability inclusive development.
In my opinion , the next summit should focus on developing an ‘disability inclusive governance’ model for developing countries to ensure there is sustained government ownership, commitment and allocation of resources for realization of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Evidence indicate that in Asia-Pacific region which is home to more than 700 million persons with disabilities, only 29 countries and territories participated voluntary survey to measure the level of advancement in terms of disability inclusive development that has taken place during the decade 2013-2022. Data points to the fact that only 55.2% of the governments have reported achievement in implementing disability inclusive laws, policies, strategies and programs.
Coming to the brass tacks of disability inclusion , it is the civil servants in the government who are expected to make use of the data that is generated, tools that are developed and implement the commitments of the global summit or for that matter any international / regional / national frameworks and human rights treaties .
We need more evidence through research as to what prevents or impedes civil service to deliver in terms of disability inclusion and how do we ensure disability inclusion being effectively addressed by the three organs of the government ( Legislature , Executive and Judiciary) which are the three pillars of governance and responsible to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities . Hope the next summit will also succeed in making governments commit to what can be achieved realistically and how the development partners can support the governments in fulfilling those commitments.