On the occasion of the United Nations Conference of State Parties in New York City (COSP16, June 13 to June 15, 2023), the Zero Project presented its first Model Policy Report.
Click here for the Model Policy Report
The report, which spans over 50 pages, presents a clear and concise analysis of public policies from six countries from around the world and three different international organizations, the European Union, the WHO, and the ITU. The Model Policy Report was produced following the Zero Project Conference 2023 Policymaker Forum, organized for the first time to bring together high level policymakers to discuss best practices and present legal frameworks that have proven effective, as well as to possoble strategies for replication in other countries.
The Zero Project Model Policy report provides valuable insights and analysis on the connections between the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and disability-inclusive public policy-makers. Through providing concise descriptions of carefully selected Model Policies, including background, evidence measurements, and more, the Model Policy Report provides practical recommendations to policymakers and practitioners on advancing inclusive legislation. While no policy can be flawless or address every need, the Model Policies selected provide clear starting points for replication and implementation across the world.
In a Side Event, jointly organized with the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations in New York, the Model Policy Report was presented by the Zero Project Team jointly with representatives from the European Commission and Israel, both of which are featured in the Model Policy Report. The Side Event was well attented by some 50 particpants in person and a variety of online audiences from around the world.
View the UN blogpost on the COSP16 Side Event "Global Good Practices" here.
Presenters included:
- Ambassador Alexander Marschik, Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN
- Welcome and opening statements
- Maria de Freitas Martinho, Social Affairs Officer, Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), UN DESA
- Preview to the UN Disability and Development Report 2023
- Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, Senior Expert, European Commission:
- Dan Rashal, Commissioner for Equal Rights for People with Disabilities, Ministry of Justice, Government of Israel:
- The Amendment to the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law
- Joelson Dias, Barbosa e Dias Advogados Associados, Member of the National Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OAB), Brazil:
- Policy Coherence as a Key to the Successful Implemnetation of the UN CRPD
- Connie Vandarakis, Disability Consultant, Associate Education Director of DAI, DanceAbility International, United States:
- A Model Practice: Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights
- Robin Tim Weis, Director of International Affairs, Zero Project, Essl Foundation, Austria:
- The Zero Project Model Policy Report
- Moderator: Michael Fembek, CEO of the Zero Project, Essl Foundation, Austria
Watch the full Global Good Practices session here on the UN website.
The Model Policy Report and our engaging discussions on a variety of public policies was well received at COSP16. I was honored to watch the conversations start in the room after our session, with government representatives and participants sharing and comparing their respective policies, creating new opportunities for collaboration, replication, and implementation.
Attending the United Nations Conference of State Parties was an extraordinary experience that reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Model Policy Report exemplifies the potential for positive change when governments, organizations, and individuals come together to address societal challenges. The Zero Project is grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this event, and we look forward to continuing research in advocating for inclusive policies that leave no one behind. Together, we can empower change and build a brighter future for all.