…Deputy Prime Minister to Lead Delegation in New York
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has departed Eswatini to participate in the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from June 9 to 11, 2026.
The high-level gathering will bring together governments, policymakers, disability rights advocates and international organisations to assess progress made in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to discuss strategies for advancing inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities worldwide.
During the conference, Eswatini will join fellow member states in presenting national updates on efforts undertaken to promote and protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. The country’s participation is expected to highlight ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering greater accessibility, inclusion and social protection.
The conference agenda includes a series of roundtable discussions focused on some of the most pressing issues facing persons with disabilities globally. Delegates will examine measures to create a world free from exploitation, violence and abuse, while exploring ways to strengthen legal protections and support systems for vulnerable groups.
Participants will also discuss how resilient societies can be built through improved care and support structures that promote empowerment, autonomy and independence for persons with disabilities. The discussions are expected to emphasise the importance of inclusive policies that enable individuals to participate fully in economic, social and community life.
Another key theme will focus on enhancing civic engagement, leadership and advocacy. Delegates will explore pathways to increase the representation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and inclusive.
Eswatini’s participation in the conference reflects the country’s commitment to advancing disability rights and aligning national development efforts with international standards aimed at ensuring equality, inclusion and human dignity for all citizens.
