D20 Disability Conference 2024

Lubabalo Mbeki Represented NCPD and South Africa at the D20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro 🌍

Lubabalo Mbeki, representing the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and South Africa, recently traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to join global leaders, activists, and experts at the D20 Conference, held from 13–15 November 2024. Hosted by the Jô Clemente Institute, the event addressed critical issues impacting persons with disabilities, including climate justice, health, education, and access to justice.

A Platform for Disability Inclusion

The conference kicked off on 13 November with dynamic panel discussions aimed at crafting actionable recommendations for G20 leaders to foster a more inclusive and equitable world. Over the following days, the event culminated in a ceremony where policy briefs will be officially presented to the Brazilian government, ensuring the voices of persons with disabilities are heard at the highest levels.

Watch the event introduction here: Watch on YouTube

Highlights from Day Two: GSocial Event

On 14 November, Lubabalo participated in the GSocial Event, representing NCPD South Africa, where he addressed a pivotal question:

How can we enable the active participation of persons with disabilities in the G20 discussions in 2025 in South Africa, considering cultural differences, language barriers, and unequal access to resources?

In his presentation, Lubabalo outlined several key strategies:

1. Lubabalo Mbeki presented on behalf of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to outline our approach to ensuring the active inclusion of persons with disabilities in the G20 discussions in 2025.
2. He focused on key strategies, including Inclusive Communication through accessible materials in South Africa’s 12 official languages, including SASL, as well as captioning, audio descriptions, and multilingual resources.
3. He discussed the importance of Awareness Campaigns to promote disability rights, Accessibility in both physical and digital spaces, and Resource Allocation for assistive technology, transport, and other support services.
4. Collaboration with Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) was highlighted to ensure our plans meet real needs, and we proposed Feedback Mechanisms for ongoing improvement.
5. Finally, he emphasized the need to Promote Representation to ensure persons with disabilities have a direct voice in G20 discussions.

During the event, Lubabalo was interviewed by the Congo News Channel in Brazil and connected with attendees who deeply resonated with his message.

A Memorable Close to the D20 Conference

On 15 November, the D20 Conference concluded with a closed engagement meeting with the Brazilian Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, Honourable Macaé Evaristo. During the meeting, Lubabalo and other leaders presented their D20 recommendations, advocating for the full participation of persons with disabilities in G20 discussions, debates, and decision-making processes.

Reflecting on the event, Lubabalo remarked:

“We have wrapped up our D20 event today, and I’m proud to have tabled our recommendations for the inclusion of persons with disabilities at every level of the G20. It’s been an incredible experience, and I look forward to discussing the outcomes with my colleagues in South Africa.”

As the conference closed, Lubabalo prepared to return home to South Africa, where he will meet with Therina Wentzel, NCPD National Director and Ms Alex Msitshana, NCPD Chairperson to share feedback and strategize the next steps for ensuring these recommendations are realized in 2025, and to begin planning for G20 in South Africa.

Quotes from Therina Wentzel, NCPD National Director and Ms Alex Msitshana, NCPD Chairperson

Ms Alex Msitshana, NCPD Chairperson: To ensure the active participation of people with disabilities in the G20 discussions in 2025 in South Africa, several strategies should be considered that we as NCPD will push for;

1. Inclusive Communication – Develop accessible communication channels that cater to diverse languages and abilities. SA has 12 official languages, including SASL. These languages speak to the diverse cultures and cultural identities we have in SA. SASL interpretation must be provided, as well as easy-read formats, and multilingual materials that reflect the varied cultural backgrounds of participants.. CAPTIONING and audio description services must be available. International sign and translation services for other delegates coming out of SA must also be provided.
2. Awareness and Training – Conduct awareness campaigns and training sessions to inform all stakeholders—government officials, organizations, and the public—about disability rights and the importance of inclusion in decision-making processes.
3. Accessibility Assessments – Perform thorough assessments of venues and platforms to ensure they meet universal design principles. This includes physical access to conference areas, as well as digital accessibility for virtual discussions.
4. Resource Allocation – Advocate for equitable distribution of resources to support the participation of people with disabilities. This could involve funding for assistive technologies, transportation services, and support personnel to facilitate their involvement. Advocacy for these resources, to ensure no person with a disability is left behind.
5. Engagement with Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) – Collaborate with DPOs to gain insights and advice from those with lived experiences. These organisations can help tailor strategies that resonate with the specific needs of persons with disabilities. Ensure their participation in the development of the programme as well so that we carry as many voices of people with disabilities as possible into the G-20.
6. Feedback Mechanisms– Establish mechanisms, such as surveys and forums, to gather feedback from people with disabilities on how to continuously improve their engagement in discussions and decision-making processes.
7. Promoting Representation – Strive for diverse representation in all G20-related discussions by ensuring that individuals with disabilities are included in delegations and panels. Engage with the Presidency and DWYPD to make inputs into the planning, programme and participation of people with disabilities.

If we implement these strategies, we can create an inclusive environment that empowers people with disabilities to actively participate in shaping policies and discussions at the G20.

Therina Wentzel, NCPD National Director;

1. South Africa recognizes 12 official languages; however, many policies, legislations, and informational materials remain available only in English.
2. Translation of critical documents, policies, and legislation into all official languages is essential, particularly using Easy Read formats and Sign Language, as already demonstrated in some GBV (Gender-Based Violence) programs.
3. Expanding this approach will be a focus point for D20 discussions, not limited to GBV but across all sectors.
4. The government is currently seeking input toward an act, making it a critical time for Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs) to push for input, monitor progress, and ensure implementation.
5. Universal Design and Accessibility (UD&A) is currently not included in South Africa’s building regulations. Input is being provided to revise old building regulations, with a strong focus on UD&A, but there is an urgent need to develop dedicated policies addressing this area.
6. There is a pressing need to integrate climate change adaptation and sustainability within UD&A frameworks to ensure equitable access in future development.

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