UN COSP19: Representation that Matters – Enhancing Active Citizenships for Young People with Disabilities

Meaningful participation for young people with disabilities is essential in order to enhance a socially sustainable society, where all citizens are able to participate in and contribute to society on an equal basis – lea­ving no one behind.

However, research shows that factors such as lack of information, physical inaccessibility, prejudice, and low knowledge of various disabilities lead to low participation in public and political forums for young people with disabilities.

By bringing together policymakers, experts and youth representatives this Nordic side event aims to discuss how we move beyond theoretical rights and toward practical inclusion in order to ensure that democratic arenas are not just open, but actively welcoming, empowering young people with disabilities to be involved, engaged, and equal actors in society.

The side event is organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing in Denmark, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing of the Faroe Islands, the Nordic Council of Ministers and UNICEF.