LocationsINCLUSIVE NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Advocates call for disability rights agenda to be central to decisions-making processes
April 1, 2026
Group of attendees posing for a photo after the consultation
Following the launch of the first phase of consultations, which covered the entire national territory and the diaspora, the second phase is underway, focusing on rural areas from March to May 2026. As explained by the President of COTE, Dr. Edson Macuacua, “the priority is the ruralization of the inclusive national dialogue, taking it to administrative posts and localities so that the process becomes more inclusive, representative, and gains greater legitimacy.” Targeted consultation initiatives are being implemented to ensure effective participation of all groups, including dedicated sessions for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
Under the motto “Nothing About Us Without Us”, the Consultation Programme for Persons with Disabilities was launched in Maputo on 6 November 2025, bringing together approximately 40 representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities. The programme is coordinated by the Forum of Mozambican Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FAMOD), with technical and financial support from UNDP, and in close coordination with the Technical Commission for the Implementation of the Political Commitment for the Inclusive National Dialogue (COTE).
Thematic panels and interactive sessions
The inaugural session featured interactive roundtable discussions addressing key issues such as social inclusion, access to public services, education, lack of employment, and other matters. To broaden representativeness and incorporate regional perspectives, the consultation programme was extended to other provinces. In the Northern region, consultations were held in Nampula on 10 December 2025, engaging approximately 50 participants from Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Zambézia, and Nampula provinces. Two days later, Beira hosted the Central region consultation, with a similar number of participants from Manica, Tete, and Sofala provinces.
These regional consultations enabled local discussions and the collection of context-specific inputs, ensuring that the consolidated report reflects the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by persons with disabilities across the country. In addition to the formal sessions, informal and community-level consultations were conducted to reach groups not represented in the formal or urban consultations. The next steps include the submission of a consolidated report to COTE, under the leadership of FAMOD with technical support from UNDP.
In addition to UNDP’s financial contribution, the consultation was also supported by the governments of Germany, Canada, Spain, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
For more information on the discussions, reform proposals, and other key insights, please watch the video below: