The Zero Project is pleased to participate in the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9–11 June 2026.
Throughout the week, the Zero Project team will co-organize and contribute to a range of events focused on disability inclusion, innovation, assistive technologies, and crisis response.
Co-organized by the Zero Project
Disability, Equality, and Artificial Intelligence
9 June 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM
Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations
Hosted together with the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations, the reception will feature welcome remarks by Mr. Stefan Pretterhofer, Deputy Permanent Representative of Austria. Michael Fembek, President of Zero Project International, and Professor Michael Stein, Executive Director of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, will introduce key findings from the forthcoming Zero Project report on Disability-Inclusive Crisis Response.
Disability, Equality, and Artificial Intelligence
10 June 2026 | 8:30–10:30 AM
Microsoft and the Zero Project will host a fireside chat exploring the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents for persons with disabilities. The discussion will feature Rylin Rodgers, Disability Policy Director at Microsoft Accessibility, and Michael Fembek, President of Zero Project International, and will be followed by a networking breakfast.
Startups and Emerging Technologies as Drivers of Disability Human Rights? Looking Ahead to the CRPD's Third Decade
11 June 2026 | 10:00–11:30 AM
This event is organized by the Harvard Law School Project on Disability together with the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations, the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Peru, and the Zero Project. Participants will explore how startups and emerging technologies can contribute to advancing disability rights and inclusion in the coming decade.
Events Featuring the Zero Project
Civil Society Forum
8 June 2026 | 10:00 AM
Ahead of COSP19, the Zero Project will contribute to the Civil Society Forum organized by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), providing an opportunity to engage with disability advocates and civil society leaders from across the globe.
Preparedness, Protection and Response for Persons with Disabilities in Times of Emergency
9 June 2026 | 10:00–11:15 AM
Organized by the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations and Beit Issie Shapiro, this session will focus on disability-inclusive approaches to emergency preparedness and response.
From Rights to Resilience: Advancing the Purple Economy and Inclusive Civic Participation to Empower Persons with Disabilities
9 June 2026 | 11:30 AM–12:45 PM
Convened by EnAble India, the Government of India, G3ict, United Nations in India, and the World Institute on Disability, this event will explore pathways to strengthening economic participation, civic engagement, and resilience for persons with disabilities.
Future of Fashion — New York Edition
10 June 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM
Positive Exposure, New York
The Zero Project will also attend and support this event organized by Bullock Inclusion, Access Austria / Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs, and OurMotion, highlighting innovation and inclusion within the fashion industry.
If you are attending COSP19, the Zero Project invite you to join these events and connect with the Zero Project team!
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