Panel at the UN Second World Summit for Social Development hosted by UNDESA
& the Government of Qatar
4 November, 2025 in Doha, Qatar
Time: 11:30am – 12:45pm (Qatar Local Time)
Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Doha, Qatar (Room 12)
Organisers : International Commission of Jurists, Government of Finland, INHURED International, CIL-Kathmandu, International Disability Alliance, Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Objectives of the Session
i. Facilitate dialogue on the legal and policy barriers affecting justice access and independent living for women and girls with disabilities, supporting advocacy for reform.
ii. Promote awareness and collaboration on supported decision-making and community-based support systems and services that uphold autonomy and rights.
iii. Foster multisectoral partnerships that center women with disabilities in leadership to develop inclusive justice and social systems.
iv. Advocate for sustained investments in community inclusion initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Second World Summit’s commitments.
Moderator
Karuna Parajuli, Legal Adviser, International Commission of Jurists
Testimony Sharing
From Exclusion to Empowerment- A Woman’s Journey to Community Living:
Beatrice Leong, Autistic Self-Advocate & Member, Transforming Community for Inclusion (TCI Global)
Keynote Speaker
Disability-Inclusive National Systems & Community Living:
H.E. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security
Special Remarks
Global Perspectives on Access to Justice and Inclusive Community Living:
H.E. Heba Hagrass, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Panel Speakers
Inclusive Communities in Action: Lessons from OPD Advocacy and Partnership Models in Kenya: Esther Caroline Mkamori, Head of programmes at United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK)
Inclusive Justice in Action: Lessons from Representing Women with Disabilities in Nepal: Advocate Sabin Shrestha, Executive Director Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD)
Connecting Voices Worldwide: Advancing Rights and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities: Panelist TBC
Interactive Q & A and Solution Sharing (Moderated discussion with audience participation)
Closing Remarks: Justice, Dignity, and Inclusion: Turning Dialogue into Change: Dr Sanja Tarczay, Vice President International Disability Alliance and President, World Federation of the Deaf-Blind
