27/04/2021
The Bridging the Gap programme organises a debate on an inclusive and accessible recovery after Covid-19 at its 4th Conference of Actors
The Bridging the Gap programme organises a debate on an inclusive and accessible recovery after Covid-19 at its 4th Conference of Actors
The 4th Conference of Actors held by the Bridging the Gap programme, which is led by FIIAPP with Europe funding, brought together representatives from the European Union and Organisations for People with Disabilities (OPDs) to analyse the response to Covid-19. Challenges and solutions discussed have included how to make recovery efforts fully inclusive and accessible, as well as ways to better engage grass roots organisations.
During the first panel at the event, new ways of influencing development cooperation were discussed. The debate on disability-inclusive development and on the effects of the response to Covid-19 and recovery measures were also addressed. The second panel focused on the new European Disability Strategy 2021-2030 and its role in addressing the impact of Covid-19 and the future of an inclusive recovery for people with disabilities.
Both the European Union and DPO representatives highlighted the importance of involving people with disabilities in the work to mainstream disability in the programming of the EU’s external action as established in the new European Disability Strategy. In addition, the contribution of programmes such as Bridging the Gap in defining the EU’s foreign policy has been assessed in view of the review to be carried out next year by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
This conference was part of the third session of the Forum of Organisations for People with Disabilities organised by Bridging the Gap with the aim of consolidating the results of strengthening the capacity of the DPOs to participate in the processes of public policy development in the five project partner countries.
