Abhishek Kumar: A Leader in Climate and Disability Advocacy — Achievements

Introduction by the NCPEDP Team

“Impactful initiative for a sustainable future!

From The ‘Sangyan’to ‘UIgulan talks. Join us in building trust and resilience. Abhishek Kumar’s contributions span shaping UN recommendations, leading the “Build Forward Better’ campaign bridging climate and disability rights, and co-authoring impactful reports like ‘A Call for Disability Inclusive Climate Action.’

Join him in driving meaningful change towards a sustainable and inclusive.” Social Media Post.

Photo of Abhishek Kumar on bottom left. On middle right, a heading saying “Abhishek Kumar: A Leader in Climate and Disability Advocacy” with achievements written below it. Swipe left button on bottom right.

Advocacy and Policy Change Description: A slide titled “Advocacy and Policy Change” with a professional layout. Text: Recommendations to CRC and UNCRPD: Contributed to the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s General Comment № 26 (2023) on Children’s Rights and the Environment and provided recommendations for UNCRPD article 11. Supreme Court Recommendations: Shared recommendations based on the UN Global Climate Litigation Report to ensure disability justice and universal access in courts.

Research and Publications Description: A slide titled “Research and Publications” with a formal design.
Text: “The Global South Climate Database”: Empaneled as a research expert on climate change and disability.
Articles on Intersectionality: Wrote various articles, including “Climate Resilient and Accessible Architecture” co-authored with fellow Kavya Poornima, recognized by Harvard Law School and McGill University. Report for COP 28: Co-authored a three-page report “A Call for Disability Inclusive Climate Action in India and Globally.”

Campaigns and Initiatives Description: A slide titled “Campaigns and Initiatives” with an organized format.
Text: “The Sangyan”: Online initiative focusing on law, environment, and disability. The focus of this initiative was to build trust among communities. “Ulgulan Talks!”: Interview series documenting life journeys and experiences of persons with disabilities regarding the impacts of climate change.

Build Forward Better Campaign Description: A slide featuring a brief description of the “Build Forward Better” campaign. Text: “The ‘Build Forward Better’ campaign, led by Abhishek Kumar and The Sangyan, bridges climate change and disability rights, advocating for inclusive and resilient policies in sustainable development.”

Presentations and Forums Description: A slide titled “Presentations and Forums” with a structured layout.
Text: National and International Forums: Presented on the intersectionality of climate change and disability at C20 India, UN India, UNICEF NYHQ, COSP15, and more. Webinars and Panels: Participated as a panelist in webinars on Disability and Climate Justice, including events organized by CJ/JT and Inpatienters Earth.

Social Media and Public Engagement Description: A slide titled “Social Media and Public Engagement” with a clean design. Text: Social Media Campaigns: Launched initiatives like “Know Your Concepts” and the ChatGPT series to raise awareness. International Days: Used significant dates like International Mental Health Day and International Day of Rural Women to discuss climate change’s impact on disabilities. Collaborations: Engaged with organizations like MUSKAN and UNICEF for broader outreach and policy impact.

Recommendations and Consultations Description: A slide titled “Recommendations and Consultations” with a professional layout. Text: NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report: Suggested including factors like disability-adjusted life years and climate and risk preparedness. G20 Working Groups: Shared recommendations in groups focused on Disaster Risk Reduction, Gender Equality, and Disability, which were accepted in the outcome document of the DRR group.

Picture Credits: National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) Team