World Social Forum 2024

15-19 February 2024, Kathmandu Nepal

The World Social Forum 2024 (WSF2024) is scheduled to take place from February 15-19 in Nepal. The WSF serves as an open space and platform for the convergence of a diverse range of participants, including social movements with a priority of persons with disabilities. NFDN is representing in the WSF Nepal organising committee and has come-up with a comprehensive action plan for the disability mainstreaming within the proceeding of WSF 2024.

Disability Mainstreaming approach in the World Social Forum 2024

Led by National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFD-N)

In collaboration with

World Social Forum 2024 Nepal organising committee, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and development partners.

The first 3 days (16-18 Feb) will be focused on info-sharing, networking, intercommunication, and alliance-building.

This is done through

1. Thematic panels, forums and assemblies to be prepared in disability inclusive manner held in accessible venues and with sign-language interpretation along with real time captioning.
2. There will be separate parallel session of disability issue in the space available for this self-organized forum, in the same room after the morning plenary session.
3. The declaration of this self-organised forum will be contributing for the last day of 19th February within the convergence, alliance building, and interactions between participants about post-event perspectives through “square of statements” developing interactions in contact tables and in informal meetings around decisions/statements. 

Theme of the forum: Disability inclusive social development

Date: 18 February, 2024              2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Venue: A convenient venue with comprehensive accessibility features

The program aims to address crucial facets of disability-inclusive social development, fostering awareness, understanding, and advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities. Beginning with registration, the event seeks to create a sense of community engagement. The thematic session is centred on civil society initiatives for disability-inclusive development. The subsequent presentations by the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) provide comprehensive overviews of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a global perspective on Disability Inclusive development, respectively.

The heart of the program lies in the panel discussion, covering a range of topics. The discussions aim to promote a rights-based society for all, eliminate discrimination against women with disabilities, empower individuals in rural areas, ensure essential employment provisions, facilitate supported decision-making for those with intellectual disabilities, and advocate for sports, recreational, and cultural activities. The module on independent living focuses on creating a social environment conducive to the well-being of persons with disabilities. The program also addresses the status of persons with disabilities within bonded labour and low-income groups, combating social stigma for those with psychosocial disabilities, and advocating for the rights to social justice in the form of a barrier-free society.

Following the enriching discussions, an open dialogue and Q&A session to encourage participants to actively engage and exchange perspectives. The event culminates with the adoption of the declaration of Persons with Disabilities, a significant step contributing to the World Social Forum 2024 declaration. Closing remarks and a vote of thanks to conclude the formal part of the program.

Beyond structured discussions, the program extends into the evening with public cultural performances. This segment provides a platform for artists with disabilities to showcase their talents, celebrating diversity within the community and promoting inclusivity through artistic expression. Overall, the program seeks to promote awareness, understanding, and collective action in support of the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.