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Disability Climate Caucus

How the Disability Climate Caucus works

Our Terms of Reference set out who we are, what we stand for and how we make decisions together. Members agreed them in November 2025.

Join the Caucus

Our story

From COP23 to a recognised UNFCCC group

The Caucus began organising in the UNFCCC process at COP23, building on the advocacy of Indigenous Peoples living with disabilities at COP21. Since then, we have raised accessibility and meaningful participation with the UNFCCC Secretariat, supported by other constituencies.

Our work is grounded in the CRPD and other international frameworks, including CEDAW, the CRC, UNDRIP and ICERD.

“Parties should… respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on… the rights of persons with disabilities.”

Paris Agreement, Preamble (2015)

  1. 2015 · COP21

    The Paris Agreement names the rights of persons with disabilities.

  2. 2017 · COP23

    The Caucus starts organising in the UNFCCC process.

  3. Nov 2025

    Members agree the Terms of Reference.

  4. Feb 2026

    Recognised as a UNFCCC Informal Group.

Our principles

The principles behind every decision

  1. 01

    Accessibility

    Meeting the access needs of every member, across disability, language and access to institutions.

  2. 02

    Intersectional inclusion

    Including under-represented persons with disabilities, especially from the Global Majority (Global South).

  3. 03

    Democratic and participatory governance

    Diverse persons with disabilities represented in how the Caucus is run.

  4. 04

    Leadership and self-representation

    Led by persons with disabilities from representative OPDs.

  5. 05

    Equity and fairness

    Equitable and fair inclusion of advocates and organisations through clear procedures.

  6. 06

    Transparency and accountability

    Timely, accessible communication so members can hold us to account.

  7. 07

    Knowledge sharing

    Mentoring newcomers and younger generations to engage in UNFCCC processes.

  8. 08

    Solidarity and collaboration

    Working with other constituencies and upholding the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples.

Objectives

What we aim to achieve

Our objectives, grouped into four areas.

  • Representation

    • Diverse disability voices in every negotiation
    • Centring the Global South
    • Common positions
    • Recognition as a formal Constituency

  • Capacity and knowledge

    • Supporting OPDs and grassroots networks
    • Helping organisations navigate the process
    • Documenting real-life solutions
    • Disaggregated data

  • Accessibility and funding

    • Accessible COPs and UNFCCC processes
    • Dedicated, accessible funding for OPD-led engagement

  • Collaboration

    • Coordinating OPDs and civil society
    • Liaising with other caucuses and constituencies
    • Building understanding among Parties and stakeholders

Membership

Who can join

Organisations and individuals

Become a member

Membership is open to all organisations and individuals dedicated to disability-inclusive climate action following a human rights-based approach.

Join the Caucus

All members respect our principles and the UNFCCC Code of Conduct. We do not admit organisations or individuals that are associated with polluting and harmful industries such as fossil fuels, the military or geoengineering.

Governance

How decisions are made

  • Leadership

    Committee

    6–7 members serving two-year terms. A majority from OPDs and Full Members, with regional and gender balance and priority for marginalised voices, particularly from the Global South.

  • Representation

    Co-Focal Points

    Two Committee members with UNFCCC Observer status, elected every two years (maximum two consecutive terms). At least one represents an OPD. They connect the Caucus with the UNFCCC Secretariat, the COP Presidency and other constituencies.

  • Decisions

    Collective decisions

    Decisions on funding, representation and advocacy priorities are made collectively. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed.

  • Meetings

    Daily and monthly

    Daily during UNFCCC sessions and monthly online for the rest of the year.

How we engage

How we engage in the UNFCCC

  • Submissions and positions

    Collective positions on disability rights and climate justice.

  • Interventions

    In negotiations, high-level meetings, side events and press conferences.

  • Collaboration

    Joint work, actions and campaigns with other constituencies.

  • Accessibility

    Promoting digital and in-person accessibility in every space.

Contact

Get in touch

Questions about the Caucus or membership?

Write to us