Modalities for effective implementation: national, subregional and regional levels

This section identifies the modalities that together promote and support implementation. In particular, these modalities build data and information and strengthen multi-level cooperation for advancing progress towards realizing the rights of persons with disabilities through the implementation of the Incheon Strategy in the course of the Decade.

1. National level

The heart of the implementation of the Incheon Strategy is the national coordination mechanism on disability, with its all-important subnational linkages.

Many such mechanisms were established in the course of the past two Asian and Pacific Decades of Disabled Persons. Thus, they would assume primary responsibility for coordinating and catalysing the implementation of the Incheon Strategy at the national and sub-national levels.

Under the auspices of the national coordination mechanisms, national statistical offices would assume the role of focal point for establishing baseline data for indicators and tracking progress in the implementation of the Incheon Strategy.

National coordination mechanisms on disability should undertake tasks that include but are not limited to the following:

1. Mobilize diverse sectoral ministries, departments and government institutions at all levels, civil society, including organizations of and for persons with disabilities and their family support groups, research institutions, and the private sector for multi-sectoral and nation-wide engagement in implementing the Incheon Strategy;
    
2. Develop, monitor and report on the implementation of national action plans on achieving the goals and targets of the Incheon Strategy;
    
3. Translate the Incheon Strategy into national languages and ensure availability of the national language versions in accessible formats for wide dissemination to all sectors and at all administrative levels;
    
4. Undertake national and subnational campaigns, such as the Make the Right Real Campaign, to raise awareness throughout the Decade that fosters positive perceptions of persons with disabilities;
    
5. Promote and support research on the situation of persons with disabilities as a basis for policymaking.
    

The United Nations country teams should support the revitalization and functioning of national coordination mechanisms, as may be required, with particular attention to advocacy, coordination and cooperation directed at implementation, including at subnational levels.

2. Subregional level

Subregional intergovernmental entities, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Pacific Islands Forum and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, have an important role in contributing to accelerated implementation of the Ministerial Declaration and the Incheon Strategy by actively promoting disability-inclusive policies and programmes within their respective mandates.

The ESCAP secretariat, in its promotion of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022, shall support subregional and inter-subregional cooperation, in partnership with subregional intergovernmental bodies. In doing so, it shall harness the active participation of its subregional offices in North and Central Asia, East and North-East Asia, the Pacific, and South and South-West Asia, supported by its regional institutions,⁵ in promoting disability-inclusive development.

3. Regional level

ESCAP members and associate members should discuss the progress, challenges and good practices in implementing the Ministerial Declaration and the Incheon Strategy in the regular sessions of the Committee on Social Development or its equivalent. Representatives of civil society organizations are encouraged to attend the sessions.

A regional working group on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022, shall be established. The working group shall support full and effective implementation throughout the Decade. Its functions shall focus on the provision of advice and support to the members and associate members, as appropriate, on the regional implementation of the Ministerial Declaration and the Incheon Strategy. The terms of reference of the working group are annexed.

The ESCAP secretariat shall contribute to the implementation of the Ministerial Declaration and the Incheon Strategy through its regional convening role, analytical work and technical support to governments. In particular, it shall undertake the following in cooperation with United Nations entities:

1. Support governments, as appropriate, in harmonizing legislation with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and in promoting the Make the Right Real Campaign;
    
2. Promote sharing among members and associate members of national experiences and good practices in disability-inclusive development and in protecting and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, including the sharing of experiences among national legislative and administrative institutions, in order to promote and support the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
    
3. Track progress and support the improvement of disability statistics during the Decade;
    
4. Support members and associate members in capacity-building to promote disability-inclusive development;
    
5. Engage with civil society organizations, in particular organizations of and for persons with disabilities, and provide a regional platform for stakeholder consultations.
    

The Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability, which was established as a legacy of the first Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons to promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, and a barrier-free and inclusive society, is called upon to continue building the capabilities of persons with disabilities and multi-sectoral collaboration, with special attention to encouraging private sector engagement in disability-inclusive business that promotes disability-friendly products, services, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship development.

The Make the Right Real Fund, to be initiated by and based in the Republic of Korea, is invited to support the successful implementation of the Ministerial Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022, and the Incheon Strategy.

Civil society organizations and, in particular, organizations of and for persons with disabilities, are encouraged to participate in the implementation of the Ministerial Declaration and the Incheon Strategy and promote continuous responsiveness to the aspirations and needs of persons with disabilities over the Decade.