The Conference of States Parties (CoSP) is one of the main ways the United Nations monitors worldwide disability issues and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) progress.
Key international Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs), such as Disabled People’s International (DPI) and International Disability Alliance (IDA), which have consultative status with the United Nations can formally contribute to the CoSP after governments have spoken.
AFDO at COSP18: Amplifying Australian Voices in Global Disability Advocacy
AFDO’s delegation participated in the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held from 9 to 12 June 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Our delegation brought together lived experience, professional insight, and strong community leadership. These six individuals represented AFDO and Australia’s broader disability movement:
- Grant Lindsay, AFDO President and Chair, has a long-standing commitment to advocating for people with intellectual disability. With leadership roles across Down Syndrome Australia and other community organisations, Grant continues to champion equity and meaningful inclusion.
- Alexander Tofler, a law student with a background in nursing, is actively involved in student-led advocacy. He brings a sharp focus on legal rights, accessibility in education, and youth participation in reform.
- Brooke Parsons draws from her lived experience as a young stroke survivor. She works in stroke research and consumer advocacy, using her story to highlight the gaps and possibilities within health systems.
- Jane Spring AM, a chair and non-executive director with leadership and governance experience across government, education, health, and sport sectors. Jane’s leadership strengthens national policy discussions through a disability and gender-inclusive lens.
- Jen Blyth, a Deaf feminist and development specialist, has worked with Deaf communities across the Asia-Pacific. Her work promotes intersectional, inclusive development grounded in human rights.
- Tim Harte, AFDO Board Director, scientist, and global disability youth advocate, weaves together environmental justice, inclusive governance, and youth leadership from a rural Australian perspective.
Attending COSP18 is more than a formal role. It is a moment to contribute to global conversations, connect with peers from across regions, and ensure Australia’s advocacy efforts are part of shaping a more inclusive world.
Please read AFDO Delegate and Independent Director Tim Harte’s reflection on COSP18 here.
AFDO at COSP17
AFDO was pleased to participate in the 2024 Conference of States Parties. The AFDO delegation consisted of:
- Grant Lindsay, AFDO President and Chairperson
- Trevor Carroll, AFDO Vice President and International Coordinator
- Chris Hunter, AFDO Vice President and Treasurer
- Elvis Martin, Emerging Young Leaders Delegation
- William Ward-Boas, Emerging Young Leaders Delegation
AFDO’s participation in COSP17 resulted in several important outcomes:
- For the Civil Society Delegation: AFDO’s engagement highlighted the diverse experiences and perspectives of people with disability, especially those from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. The delegation reconnected with international partners, established new relationships, and deepened their understanding of global disability issues.
- For Delegates: Funded delegate Elvis Martin expressed that his experience at COSP17 provided a deeper understanding of international disability rights advocacy and equipped him with knowledge to support peers and drive positive change. Self-funded delegates established and renewed international connections, focusing on key issues rele
vant to the Asia-Pacific region, where AFDO continues to engage. - For AFDO as an Organisation: AFDO plans to focus upcoming Member Forums on COSP17 themes and sub-themes, ensuring future delegate involvement aligns with member concerns. The organisation continues to strengthen its international presence, particularly through Trevor Carroll’s role as President of the DPI World Board and AFDO’s leadership within DPI Australia. These connections reinforce AFDO’s influence and advocacy at the international level.