International Conferences, Summits, and Bilateral Meetings

Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP)

The Italian Government actively participated in the physical sessions of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, organizing 5 side events and hosting numerous bilateral meetings.

16th Session (COSP-16) – New York, 13–15 June 2023

Bilateral talks were held with representatives from several countries (including Australia, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Libya, Poland, Tunisia, United Kingdom, and the United States). Bilateral sessions with BIE Member States also served to promote Rome's candidacy for Expo 2030, emphasizing its focus on accessibility and inclusion.

The Italian delegation hosted two side events:

"Ensuring accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in health and support services. Italy’s DAMA": Co-sponsored by Austria and moderated by the Vice-Presidency of the European Disability Forum (EDF), with participation from Inclusion International. The session featured the DAMA (Disabled Advanced Medical Assistance) model developed by the University of Milan for specialized hospital care for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities;

"Living Independently. The Network Model for persons with autism in adulthood": Organized in collaboration with Argentina, Cuba, and UN DESA. The panel highlighted the Italian network framework for adult autism care, alongside best practices in aviation (ENAC), sports (Filippide Project), civil society (LIONS Clubs International), and medical research (Harvard University).

17th Session (COSP-17) – New York, 11–13 June 2024

Key activities carried out by the delegation included:

Institutional Meetings: Bilateral meeting with the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Relating to Persons with Disabilities of Germany, followed by an address at the Plenary Session outlining Italy's ongoing disability reform;

Multilateral Cooperation: High-level talks with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and coordination with G7 Ministers and EU Commission representatives in preparation for the Solfagnano Summit;

Side Event "Disability and Food": Showcase of social economy and employment projects in the culinary sector, featuring Italian entities such as Rullifood, PizzAut, Tortellante, Breakcotto, Luna Blu, and Rurabilandia, with contributions from the Italian Chefs Federation and Lions International.

18th Session (COSP-18) – New York, 8–12 June 2025

Italy's participation commenced with a live performance by the inclusive musical group "Si può fare band" at the UN Headquarters.

Main engagements:

General Debate: Statement delivered by the Minister for Disabilities during the Plenary Session on 10 June 2025;

Side Event "Recreational Time, Life Time": Co-sponsored by Japan, South Africa, Tunisia, and IDA, focusing on the right to leisure, sports, and social participation;

Side Event & Workshop "The Right to a Full and Participatory Life": Interactive workshop co-sponsored by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, featuring Saudi Arabia and EDF, showcasing practical artistic, occupational, and culinary demonstrations led by persons with disabilities;

Multilateral & Bilateral Engagements: Participation in the League of Arab States side event on innovative finance and entrepreneurship. Bilateral meetings held with Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, IDA, EDF, and the Global Disability Innovation Hub, alongside the G20 Inclusion and Disability Working Group.

Other High-Level Conferences and Multilateral Summits

High-Level Conference on the 2nd Arab Plan for Persons with Disabilities (Tunis, 1–2 October 2023): Keynote address delivered under the High Patronage of the President of the Tunisian Republic and the League of Arab States. Bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Tunisia and official visits to the International Centre for the Promotion of Education and Training, the National Institute for Child Protection, and the "Al-Sanad" Social Centre.

56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (Geneva, 3 July 2024): Address delivered at the OHCHR side event "Building a Roadmap Towards Disability-Inclusive Post-2030".

Red Cross & Red Crescent Joint Pledge (Geneva, October 2024): Endorsement of the humanitarian pledge to enhance the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities during armed conflicts and natural disasters.

UN CRPD Youth Graphic Exhibition (New York, 3–20 December 2024): Opening of the exhibition "The UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities through the eyes of young people" at the UN Delegates Entrance, featuring artwork originally created for the Umbria School of Public Administration and displayed during the Solfagnano G7.

58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (Geneva, 24–26 February 2025): Attendance at the High-Level Segment and official opening of the UN CRPD exhibition alongside UNOG, OHCHR, Civil Protection, Red Cross, and IDA leadership.

Zero Project Conference 2025 (Vienna, 5 March 2025): Participation in the global innovation summit and institutional meetings with the Zero Project Foundation leadership.

3rd Global Disability Summit (Berlin, 2–3 April 2025): Statements delivered at the opening session and high-level panels on inclusive infrastructure and assistive technology, organized in cooperation with the League of Arab States, IDA, AOPD, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Jubilee of Disability "Pathways of Hope" (Rome, 28–29 April 2025): International event co-organized by the Holy See, the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), and the Ministry for Disabilities, addressing independent living, accessibility, employment, and assistive technologies.

Humanitarian Disability Relief Network for Gaza (Rome, 8 August 2025): Coordination framework established by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Civil Protection, the Serafico Institute of Assisi, and "La Nostra Famiglia" to supply medical prostheses, assistive devices, and specialized care for children and adults with complex disabilities affected by the conflict.

INDEX – International Youth Development Exchange Program (Tokyo, September 2025): Delegation visit alongside Italian youth, FISH, and FAND leadership. Bilateral meeting with Japan's Minister for Disability Policies and field visits to the Tokyo Metropolitan Tobu Medical Center, Koisuru-Buta Laboratory, Incurve Day Center, Maihama Corporation Co., and Expo 2025 Osaka.

Mattei Plan for Africa – "Kenya in the Footsteps of St. Francis" Project: Launch of a social workshop empowering youth with intellectual disabilities to produce Franciscan Tau crosses for the 8th Centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

"Work Inclusion: Talents and Skills in Italian Cuisine" (Paris, UNESCO, 21 October 2025): High-level event hosting 27 Italian non-profit organizations and over 200 participants with disabilities delivering professional culinary and hospitality services at UNESCO Headquarters.