Thank you for giving me the floor and thank you for this comprehensive presentation. Norway welcomes the discussion and the opportunity to comment on this very important topic.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people—about 16% of world—currently experience significant disabilities.
Approximately 80% of them, live in developing countries. People living with disabilities also face increased vulnerabilities during conflicts. Therefore, it is essential that the WFP’s programs and initiatives are inclusive and accessible.
Norway would like to commend the WFP for making significant strides in ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The WFP has progressed from being unable to report on any of the indicators accompanying the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy in 2019 to reporting on all fifteen indicators in the most recent report in 2023.
To be able to meet the expectation of the remaining four indicators WFP should improve systematic consultation and involvement of organizations of persons with disabilities, update procurement policies and evaluation guidelines and increase the capacity of all staff.
Norway also commends the WFP's approach to gender equality, which recognizes the intersectional vulnerabilities related to gender and disabilities, as reflected in your gender strategy.
During the Global Disability Summit in Oslo in 2022, the WFP presented five ambitious commitments to the summit.
We urge the WFP to fulfill those commitments and to present new, ambitious commitments at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin this April.
On a final note, we encourage the WFP to continue on this positive trajectory and remain champions for the inclusion of people with disabilities, and that this be reflected in the new strategic plan and corporate results framework.
Thank you.