CHOGM 2007

Uganda the Pearl of Africa, was the venue for the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).  Commonwealth leaders meet every two years for a few days to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree collectively on policies and initiatives. These summits provide a unique forum for consultation at the highest level of government. They are organised by the host nation in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat. 

The Commonwealth has 53 member countries of which 32 are republics, 16 are monarchies with Queen Elizabeth II as their sovereign head, and 5 have national monarchies.  

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in Kampala, Uganda from 23-25 November 2007. The theme for the meeting was ‘Transforming Commonwealth Societies to achieve political, economic and human development.’ For further information on CHOGM click on:  http:/www.chogm2007.ug 

INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY CONFERENCE IN THE COMMONWEALTH

4^TH - 7^TH NOVEMBER 2007, HOTEL AFRICANA, KAMPALA - UGANDA

 1. Introduction

The Disability Fraternity in Uganda organized the first ever Disability Conference in the Commonwealth in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Kampala. The Conference was held from 4^th to 7^th November 2007 at Hotel Africana, Kampala – Uganda http://www.hotelafricana.com .

 2.  Who attended?

The conference was intended for leaders of Disabled Peoples' Organisations (DPOs), Policy makers, implementers, representatives of International DPOs, Multilateral organisations and other stakeholders in the Commonwealth Countries. Observers with an interest in integrating disability concerns within development agendas were also encouraged to attend.

 3.  Theme

The theme of the conference: ‘Promoting Disability Rights: The inclusive way of Transforming Commonwealth societies to achieve Political, Economic and Human Development.’ was derived from that of Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM). It connotes that without promoting disability rights the transformation of societies will not be inclusive as persons with disabilities will be left out of the process. 

4. Objectives

 To bring together leaders of Persons with disabilities and key disability stakeholders in the Commonwealth for the first time, with a view to: 

1. Raising awareness on the recently adopted UN Convention on the rights of Person with Disabilities (Disability Convention) and the need for its ratification and implementation.

2. Creating an understanding that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) cannot be attained in Commonwealth Countries without consciously addressing disability concerns in National development strategies.

3. Establishing a forum of disabled people in the Commonwealth.

4. Galvanise collective action within the Commonwealth for the effective implementation of the Disability Convention.

5. The conference

Key presentations were made by experts on the UN Convention, its implementation, monitoring and expected impact; and in the area of Inclusive development. At the end of the Conference, a memorandum containing recommendations of the Conference was prepared and subsequently presented to CHOGM. 

For further information contact

The Chairperson

National Task Force of the National Organising Committee (NOC)

P.O.Box 9658, Kampala Uganda

Telephone 256 414 531446

Fax        256 414 531447

Email:    cmmatovu@adduganda.org   or dpc@adduganda.org  

Click here to download the Profiles of the National Taskforce