The Ministry of Family led the United Arab Emirates delegation at the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities COSP19, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 11 June 2026 under the theme: “The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at 20: Celebrating and Consolidating Achievements and Shaping the Next Phase of Implementation in a Changing World.”
H.E. Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for People of Determination and Senior Citizens Affairs at the Ministry of Family, headed the UAE delegation, which included representatives from the Ministry of Family and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. The UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening its international engagement on issues relating to People of Determination and to exchanging expertise and global best practices.
During the conference, H.E. Hessa Tahlak delivered the UAE’s national statement at the open discussion session, affirming that the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities marks a significant milestone in renewing the global commitment to advancing the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. She reiterated the UAE’s commitment to advancing a comprehensive and sustainable approach to inclusion that places people at the heart of policies and programmes while safeguarding their dignity and rights.
Her Excellency also highlighted the UAE’s experience in fostering a culture of empowerment through the adoption of the term “People of Determination” and the development of an integrated legislative and societal framework that promotes equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. She further outlined the country’s efforts to advance inclusive education, develop accessible environments and facilities in line with the highest standards, and leverage emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to deliver more responsive and inclusive services.
She emphasized the importance of moving beyond legislative and policy frameworks towards building integrated systems that remove barriers and create opportunities for the full and effective participation of People of Determination across all aspects of life. Her Excellency stressed that inclusion is not an end in itself, but rather a foundation for building stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous communities.
At the international level, H.E. Hessa Tahlak reaffirmed the UAE’s longstanding support for international cooperation, the exchange of expertise and best practices, and partnerships with international organizations to advance the effective implementation of the Convention. She noted that the UAE has hosted several prominent international events related to People of Determination, including the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 and the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
The Ministry of Family also hosted the UAE side event, “Scaling Impact: From Frameworks to Lived Transformation,” in partnership with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, and in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance (IDA), a leading global network representing more than 5,500 organizations of persons with disabilities worldwide. The event was held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Convention.
The side event offered an opportunity to exchange expertise and best practices in empowering People of Determination and advancing their inclusion across all aspects of life. Participants explored ways to strengthen support and care systems and enhance the meaningful participation of People of Determination in the design of policies, services, and programmes, contributing to improved quality of life and the development of more inclusive and sustainable communities.
The Ministry also participated in a side event entitled “The WHO Disability Health Equity Network: Shaping the Next Phase of Advancing Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities,” where it showcased the UAE’s experience in promoting equitable access to healthcare services for People of Determination, early intervention programmes, support for families and caregivers, and the use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare and social services.
On the sidelines of the conference, H.E. Hessa Tahlak held a series of bilateral meetings with delegations from Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Discussions focused on sharing best practices and exchanging expertise in the field of supporting and empowering People of Determination, with a view to enhancing policies and programmes that foster their inclusion and enable their full and effective participation in society.
The UAE’s participation in the conference underscores its continued commitment to collaborating with international partners to advance the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and strengthen global efforts to foster more inclusive, empowering, and sustainable communities. Through these efforts, the UAE continues to reinforce its standing as a global model for promoting the rights of People of Determination and enhancing their quality of life, as well as that of their families.
