The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) actively participated in the First Session of the Working Group on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2023–2032, held on 3–4 June 2025 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok and online. The session was convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
This inaugural meeting marked a crucial step in advancing the goals of the new Decade, which builds upon the achievements of the Incheon Strategy and the Jakarta Declaration to ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life across the region. APCD has been represented by Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager, together with Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration and Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer.
The APCD delegations shared valuable insights drawn from their extensive fieldwork and regional engagement on inclusive community development, empowerment of persons with disabilities, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. APCD emphasized the importance of enhancing regional cooperation, strengthening OPD capacity, and ensuring that the decade’s actions align with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By participating in this platform, APCD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive development and supporting the implementation of actionable and measurable frameworks that leave no one behind.
Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, Director of International Cooperation, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, had been elected as Meeting chair.
Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, APCD Community Development Manager, made intervention on both meeting days.
Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration and Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer also attended the session.
