Minister Showcases UK’s Disability Action at UN Conference in New York

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, set out his ambition to make the UK the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live and work at a UN conference in New York.

Speaking at the 16th Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16), the Minister outlined the UK’s plan to ensure the voices of disabled people are properly heard to help grow the economy for everyone.

“The global context of numerous humanitarian and economic crises, plus the

continuing impact of the pandemic, means disability inclusion risks falling further down the agenda,” said Pursglove.

“The UK remains committed to championing disability rights and inclusion globally.

“Following the launch of our international Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy last year, the UK is focussed on embedding its principles across our huge diplomatic and development network.”

At an event co-hosted with the Canadian delegation, the Minister discussed inclusion strategies and plans to improve the social and economic inclusion of disabled people, reducing poverty and increasing accessibility.

He also co-hosted an event with German representatives to discuss how to close the digital divide to ensure disabled people can benefit from innovation by investing in initiatives that promote digital accessibility.