New York, 12th June 2025 – Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr Oliver Kalabo has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Delivering Zambia’s statement at the 18th session of the Conference of State Parties to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Dr Kalabo said the government is committed to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are active agents of change in building a just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Dr. Kalabo highlighted significant progress made in promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as limited local capacity, inadequate resources, and negative societal attitudes.
To address these issues, Zambia is enhancing institutional coordination, investing in local capacity-building, and prioritizing full and meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities at all stages of policy design and implementation.
Dr Kalabo expressed optimism about strengthening partnerships and technical assistance to promote inclusion. Zambia remains committed to working closely with various stakeholders, including the CRPD Secretariat, and sharing best practices that can benefit other nations grappling with similar challenges.
Zambia’s participation in this session underscores the country’s commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The CRPD serves as a platform for Zambia to share best practices, collaborate with international partners, and learn from global experiences in promoting disability rights.
This year’s conference is held under the theme, “Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the World Social Summit”.
The conference closes on 12th June 2025.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
