News

The ‘Implementing Disability Rights Across the Commonwealth Symposium’ was hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) in the capital city of St. John’s.
The symposium follows the adoption of the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Antigua and Barbuda 2 to 4 November 2026.

The fifth Commonwealth Women’s Forum will be held in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from 2 to 4 November 2026, alongside the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The 2026 Forum will bring together representatives from governments, civil society, development…

Tonga has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Tonga’s UN Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē, deposited the instrument of ratification with the United Nations on 4 September.

He said it was a milestone in Tonga’s commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

IN THIS ISSUE:
From the General Secretary’s Desk;
Driving Change: CDPF Activities & Initiatives;
In Focus;
On the Ground: Members in Action;
Voices & Perspectives;
News Updates;
Worth the Read

A letter to Cambridge University concerning the profound questions about the treatment, support and protection of autistic, neurodivergent and disabled people within higher education settings following the death of Professor Arday.

The Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are organising a 1-day Symposium on Implementing Disability Rights across the Commonwealth.

In this issue: Update from the General Secretary’s Desk, Introducing CDPF Executive Committee 2026-2027, CDPF Annual General Meeting 2026, In the News, Voices & Perspectives, Driving Change: CDPF Activities & Initiatives, On the Ground: Members in Action

The Annual General Meeting was held on 19 March 2026, and addressed by Carla Qualtrough, former Minister in the Canadian Government.

Dr Emile Gouws, CDPF Representative of underrepresented groups, sends a video message.

THE CDPF would like to invite contributions from across our network for inclusion in upcoming editions of the Newsletter. The aim is to continuously capture and share the diverse voices, experiences, and work of our members across the Commonwealth.