14th February 2025
CDPF held a virtual Special General Assembly during which an e ballot was held adopting a new constitution. [by 74% of delegates of member organisations voting Yes, only 2 votes against and rest non-engaged or voting, counting as abstentions which on a vote of all members count against], This will allow CDPF to become an Incorporated Charity Organisation in the UK. See Results
We adopted a work plan for 2025/26 which will consolidate the organisation and continue with our representation of the issues prioritised by disabled people/people with disabilities across the Commonwealth. Our main focus will continue to be capacity building, building our disabled women’s forum and Commonwealth Disabled Youth Forum and helping to get Commonwealth member countries to more effectively implement Disability Rights. See Work Plan
Our Annual Report for 2024 was adopted,which you may find of interest as iut maps our many varied activities in the last year. See Windows or PDF version
In addition three motions were passed at the meeting which had 87 delegates from our member organisations across the Commonwealth :-
i) On the Commission on the Status of Women, due in March, which we would like Commonwealth support to get greater involvement of disabled women/women with disabilities and allow amendments from grass-roots organisations of women. Com Sec .has been most supportive in supporting CDPF Women’s Forum and getting delegates to the CSW.
ii) The cut in USAID calling on donor countries-in Commonwealth and beyond to club together to make up the shortfall and work strategically to tackle inequality which policy CDPF would like the Commonwealth to adopt in action in various world fora and across the Commonwealth and members to propose to their Governments
iii) The Path to Disability Inclusion across the Commonwealth in which we praise progress at CHOGM24 and since in setting up the High Level Advice Group and DPO advisors and a Government representatives group. This motion also calls for one of the themes of CHOGM 2026 to Disability Inclusion we hope the Members can support this thinking and approach their Governments.
Please find materials below to be consulted in relation to the general assembly held on 14 February 2025.