CBM UK is delighted to share a major breakthrough for disability rights and climate justice with the official recognition of the Disability Caucus.
Historic Breakthrough: People with Disabilities Win Official Recognition in Global Climate Negotiations
Posted on:
Friday, February 27th, 2026
This week, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) officially recognised the Disability Caucus. The Caucus represents more than 120 groups, including organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and disability-focused organisations across all continents, with most in the Global South.
It is a historic moment, signalling that the expertise, experiences, and leadership of people with disabilities must directly shape international climate policies, frameworks, and decisions that profoundly affect their lives.
OPD leaders from around the world have spoken of their excitement at this development. From Nigeria, Olajide Funso described the recognition as “a long overdue seat at the climate negotiation table.” And a Nepalese advocate Muna Shakya noted that “The Disability Caucus will help bring our experiences into global discussions where they belong.”
Making a meaningful contribution to COP
Until now, people with disabilities were sometimes invited to contribute to the discussion but not recognised as a coordinated group with influence. The new Disability Caucus changes that and creates a collective platform for unified advocacy and meaningful participation in climate processes.
The journey to this point has been long. Disability advocates and grassroots activists have pushed for recognition for nearly a decade. CBM UK had been fully involved since COP26 in Glasgow where, alongside our OPD and global partners, we hosted the first side event to focus purely on disability. The CBM Global Federation has worked tirelessly alongside OPD colleagues and wider civil society in supporting the call for inclusive climate action at the UNFCCC and have been grateful for the wider encouragement of member states, including the UK Govermment and FCDO, to ensure this remains a priority.
A seminal moment for disability inclusion
Kirsty Smith, CEO of CBM UK stated that “We are delighted to see the rightful recognition of the Disability Caucus. This is a vital step forward in ensuring the voices of the most marginalised, including people with disabilities, are heard and acted upon. We look forward to seeing their experiences and knowledge informing more decisions and outcomes within the UNFCCC process.”
CBM Global Executive Director David Bainbridge celebrated this moment as one that sends out a message that “effective climate solutions must be inclusive”.
The journey continues
Whilst this achievement is an important step, the journey continues. The Caucus is working towards securing full “Constituency” status within the UNFCCC which will ensure equal rights and influence alongside other major groups.
CBM UK and CBM Global remain committed to supporting OPDs in promoting and strengthening disability-inclusive climate action. For now, this milestone stands as a powerful reminder: meaningful climate action must include the voices of people with disabilities.
More news like this
February 17, 2026
Lent 2026: ‘Loose the chains of injustice’
This Lent 2026, we’re launching a new resource which invites churches, communities, and individuals to learn more about the cycle of poverty and disability, reflect on the injustice of avoidable blindness, and to share our vision of a just world where all people enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.
February 16, 2026
From evidence to impact: Why reducing child malnutrition needs more than supplementation
In poor communities affected by climate change, the rate of malnutrition is high and children with disabilities are especially at risk. CBM’s latest evidence brief shows how a multi-faceted approach can change this.
January 28, 2026
From evidence to impact: Why mental health matters in Neglected Tropical Diseases
A new CBM UK evidence brief published in time for World NTD Day 2026 demonstrates how holistic interventions significantly improve the mental health and wellbeing of people affected by skin NTDs.