The UAE Ministry of Family led the country’s delegation at the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 11 June 2026.
The conference, convened under the theme of marking two decades since the adoption of the Convention and shaping its next phase of implementation, brought together member states to assess progress and chart future directions for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities globally.
H.E. Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for People of Determination and Senior Citizens Affairs at the Ministry of Family, headed the UAE delegation, which also included representatives from the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination.
Addressing the open discussion session, H.E. Tahlak delivered the UAE’s national statement, affirming the country’s commitment to a comprehensive and sustainable approach to inclusion that centres on the dignity, rights, and full participation of People of Determination. She highlighted the UAE’s adoption of the term “People of Determination” as part of a broader legislative and societal framework aimed at promoting equality and non-discrimination, and outlined national efforts in inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, and the use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery.
H.E. Tahlak also emphasised that legislative frameworks alone are insufficient, calling for integrated systems that actively remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for People of Determination across all areas of life. She described inclusion not as a final objective but as a foundation for building stronger and more resilient communities.
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On the international front, she reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to global cooperation and the exchange of best practices, referencing the country’s history of hosting prominent events in this space, including the World Congress on Rehabilitation in 2024 and the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi in 2019.
The Ministry of Family also hosted a UAE side event titled “Scaling Impact: From Frameworks to Lived Transformation,” organised in partnership with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and the International Disability Alliance, a global network representing more than 5,500 organisations. The event provided a platform for exchanging expertise on empowerment, inclusive policy design, and the meaningful participation of People of Determination in shaping the services and programmes that affect their lives.
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The UAE delegation also participated in a separate side event focused on health equity for persons with disabilities, where it presented the country’s experience in providing equitable healthcare access, early intervention programmes, family and caregiver support, and technology-driven service enhancements.
On the sidelines of the conference, H.E. Tahlak held bilateral meetings with delegations from Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, with discussions centred on sharing policy approaches and best practices for supporting and empowering People of Determination.
The UAE’s participation in COSP19 reflects its continued engagement with international partners in advancing the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and reinforcing its position as a global advocate for inclusive and empowering communities.
