PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 10th June 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Zambia is participating in the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York reaffirming the country’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are able to participate fully and effectively in all spheres of society and that no one is left behind in the development efforts.
This year’s conference is held under the theme, “The Convention at 20: Celebrating and Consolidating Achievements and Shaping the Next Phase of Implementation in a Changing World,” and runs from 9th to 11th June 2026.
The Zambian delegation is led by Mr. Maximillian Bwalya, Social Cash Transfer Manager, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, and includes Mr. Frankson Musukwa, Director General of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), as well as staff from the Permanent Mission led by Ms. Stenah Shampile, Deputy Permanent Representative, and other government officials. The delegation is participating in discussions aimed at advancing the rights, inclusion, empowerment, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
During the official opening, United Nations Secretary-General, H.E António Guterres welcomed the progress made in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities over the past two decades while calling for accelerated efforts to achieve full inclusion, equal opportunities, and meaningful participation in all aspects of society.
And speaking on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Annalena Baerbock, Chef de Cabinet Ms. Sofia Borges highlighted the gains achieved under the CRPD and underscored the need to translate legal commitments into tangible improvements through greater inclusion, accessibility, and participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.
The Conference marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and provides an important platform for Member States to reflect on progress made, share experiences, and identify measures to address emerging challenges affecting persons with disabilities.
As a State Party to the Convention, Zambia remains committed to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities through legislative, policy, and institutional measures that foster inclusion, accessibility, equal opportunities, and meaningful participation in national development. Zambia continues to advance disability-inclusive development in line with its national priorities and international commitments.
During the Conference, Zambia will deliver its national statement and engage with Member States, United Nations entities, organisations of persons with disabilities, and other stakeholders to exchange best practices and strengthen international cooperation in support of disability inclusion and empowerment.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
