Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Honourable Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, is representing South Africa at the inaugural G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability, taking place in Umbria, Italy, from October 14 to 16, 2024.
This historic event, which Italy is promoting for the first time at the ministerial level, provides a unique opportunity to engage with G7 and outreach countries on disability strategies and commitments to ensure people with disabilities’ full participation in civil, social, and political life.
Minister Chikunga added, “South Africa’s participation in this historic gathering demonstrates our steadfast commitment to furthering the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, both domestically and internationally. We look forward to sharing our experiences and learning from our worldwide partners as we work together to create a more inclusive world.
The G7 Inclusion and Disability Ministerial Meeting is a three-day concrete, inclusive, and interactive event held in the lovely region of Umbria. It brings together G7 nations, the EU, and invited outreach countries such as South Africa, Chile, Kenya, Tunisia, and Vietnam.
The meeting’s priorities are:
1. Prioritising inclusion across political agendas.
2. Universal accessibility.
3. Ability to live autonomously and independently
4. Enhancement of talent and inclusivity in the workplace.
5. Promoting innovative technology.
6. Sports and recreational activities
7. Life dignity and service offerings
8. Inclusive disaster risk reduction.
The G7 Inclusion and Disability summit will last three days, with each day aimed to promote dialogue, highlight inclusive practices, and culminate in significant policy talks.
The event began on the afternoon of October 14th with a welcome to the delegates in the town of Assisi. As delegations arrived, they were greeted by inclusive bands whose music exemplified the power of diversity. The plaza was turned into an innovation hub, with stands run by third-party organisations presenting their inclusive projects, providing delegates and visitors with a view into the practical applications of disability inclusion.
The October 15th is the preparatory part of the ministerial conference, which takes place at the Castle of Solfagnano. This day is intended to be a melting pot of ideas, bringing together not only ministerial delegations, but also representatives from Italian and international disability organisations. Throughout the day, a succession of panels will discuss various aspects of the G7’s priorities for disability inclusion. These debates promise to be robust and diverse, including grassroots voices alongside policymakers. In keeping with the event’s inclusive character, local social cooperatives focusing on employment inclusion for people with disabilities will be tasked with food and other services, making the day itself a living embodiment of the ideals being debated.
The formal Ministerial Meeting, which takes place on October 16th, marks the event’s peak. Minister Chikunga will hold high-level meetings with her counterparts from the G7 nations, the EU, and the invited outreach countries to shape global disability inclusion policy. The day’s events will culminate in two significant moments: the adoption of the Solfagnano Charter, a declaration that will reaffirm and potentially expand the G7’s commitment to disability rights and inclusion, and a joint press conference to share the results and future directions with the world. The traditional “family photo” will serve as a visual symbol of the participating nations’ solidarity and commitment to this important cause.
Throughout these three days, Minister Chikunga will play a critical role in bringing South Africa’s distinct viewpoint and dedication to disability rights to the forefront of global conversations. Her participation will focus on key areas such as leveraging emerging technologies, promoting universal accessibility, and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring that South Africa remains a leading voice in shaping the international agenda on disability inclusion.
