Our advocacy
Disability Constituency with UNFCCC
CBM Global, together with CBM Ireland and other partners, is calling for the creation of a formal Disability Constituency in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This would give organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) a dedicated seat at the negotiating table so their voices and rights are heard directly in global climate decision-making.
At COP29 in Baku, CBM Ireland and CBM UK supported the informal Disability Caucus as part of this push, advocating for disability-inclusive climate justice and emphasising the urgent need for formal recognition.
Why it matters:
Without an official constituency, people with disabilities risk being relegated to passive roles in climate diplomacy—even though they are disproportionately affected by climate change and have lived experience that can shape better, more equitable climate policies. Formal recognition would help ensure inclusion in negotiation texts, funding decisions, NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), and other climate commitments.
cbm ireland at cop
At COP28 in Dubai, CBM Ireland and CBM Global worked with partners to ensure climate policies include people with disabilities, influencing negotiations on adaptation, loss and damage, and resilience.
In December 2023, CBM Ireland and CBM Global brought Inclusive Climate Action conversations to COP28, the 28th annual United Nations “Conference of the Parties” meeting on climate. With our partners, we worked to influence negotiations and join the wider civil society discussion to promote and offer practical suggestions for how climate adaptation, loss and damage and resilience can be more inclusive.
In Baku, at COP29, CBM Ireland, together with CBM UK and CBM Global, brought disability-inclusive climate action to the forefront of discussions. We co-hosted side events such as “Inclusive Climate Justice for All” and “Inclusively Designing and Financing NDCs”, ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities and their representative organisations were heard. Our focus was on embedding disability inclusion into the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), so future climate plans and financing reflect the needs, rights, and resilience of people with disabilities.
Read CBM Global’s publication, launched at COP27, sharing the experiences of people with disabilities affected by the climate crisis in Madagascar and Bangladesh, and exploring how they are involved in responding to it:
Read more about progress on disability inclusionand climate justice at COP27 - and the significant challenges ahead – in our blog:
Why is disability still waiting for real progress on inclusive climate action? Five takeaways from COP27.Data for Better Accountability
The identification of gaps and difficulties governments have in upholding pledges is made possible by the availability of evidence-based data on people living with disabilities at the national and international levels. For OPDs to collaborate with policymakers to solve the gaps and amend current policies and regulations, they must have data and know how to use it. As part of this priority, CBM Ireland collaborates with its OPD partners and alliances to support policies and initiatives that emphasis data collection and push for better data on persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups. We collaborate with our country teams and OPD partners on advocacy at the national level.
OECD DAC Disability Policy Marker
The OECD DAC Disability Policy Marker is a critical tool for tracking how much international aid is being directed toward disability inclusion. By using this marker, governments and donors can identify funding gaps and better understand whether commitments to disability-inclusive development are being met. CBM Ireland works with partners to promote the consistent use of the DAC marker across aid programs, ensuring that disability-related spending is visible and accountable. This transparency helps drive systemic change and ensures that resources reach the people and communities who need them most.
Global
At the global level, CBM Ireland collaborates with CBM Global and other partners to influence international development policies and frameworks. Through engagement with multilateral agencies, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, CBM works to integrate disability inclusion into humanitarian and development agendas. These efforts help ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind in global responses to poverty, climate change, and crises, while strengthening the capacity of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to take the lead in advocacy and decision-making.
OECD DAC Disability Policy Marker
The Joint Committee on Disability and Development (JCDM) report provides a comprehensive analysis of progress and challenges in disability-inclusive development. It highlights the barriers people with disabilities face and offers actionable recommendations for governments, donors, and civil society. CBM Ireland uses insights from the JCDM report to shape advocacy strategies and inform policy dialogues both nationally and internationally. By leveraging this evidence, we support OPDs in holding decision-makers accountable and advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
our key networks
We work alongside some of the key organisations and networks below to achieve its objectives:
Dóchas & Dóchas Disability and Development Working Group (DDIDWG)
where the partners in international development take collective action, influence the Irish government to promote inclusive development and humanitarian and climate justice.
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe
CBM Ireland is a member of the network. CBM Ireland actively engages with CAN Europe and its members. (DEAR Project link here)
Stop Climate Chaos Coalition (SCCC)
to advocate for climate justice policies that are inclusive of people with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in Ireland’s climate action plans.
Coalition 2030
to ensure deliver inclusive Sustainable Development Goals
IDEA
to work together with the partners in development education/ global citizenship education sector and enhance the conversation on inclusion in the sector and amongst the Irish public.
For more information, contact
Mahbub Kabir at mahbubkabir@cbm.ie