Disability Data Partnership with UNFPA Asia and the Pacific

Project | March 18, 2025

Disability Data Partnership with UNFPA Asia and the Pacific 

The CBM Global Inclusion Advisory Group worked with UNFPA Asia and the Pacific to strengthen disability data in the Asia-Pacific region in a project from 2021-2023. 

Through annual workplans, the partnership built resources, awareness, and capacity around disability data with UNFPA Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders, including Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and National Statistics Offices. 

Background

The UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Region has seen varied engagement, investment and approaches around disability data and related advocacy and investment. Understanding how and why disability data has been included in census and large-scale household surveys across the region, and building awareness and capacity around recommended disability data approaches is critical to help develop and shape investments in evidence-based policies and programmes. Furthermore, supporting the meaningful role OPDs must play in disability data collection, analysis and use was important.  

The project was implemented in partnership with regional OPDs including the ASEAN Disability Forum and Pacific Disability Forum, in close collaboration with national OPDs, the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities and the International Disability Alliance.

Partnership focus and sample of activities

The partnership has broadly addressed two key areas, using a range of different activities:

1. raising awareness and capacity on disability data with UNFPA and their partners:

• Technical webinars and resources with UNFPA staff and partners
• Mapping disability data in development in Asia and the Pacific
• On call technical assistance to UNFPA teams throughout the region

2. Developing capacity of the disability movement on disability data and supporting their engagement in relevant regional dialogues and advice:

• Developed and supported some local use of the Disability Data Advocacy workshop for OPDs.
• Supported two representatives from the disability movement in the region to participate as data-focused fellows in the Advisory Capacity Development and Exchange project. Fellows also enjoyed on the job learning opportunities by participating in some technical assistance to UNFPA offices in the region. 
• Quick reference guides to support OPD engagement in disability data and data advocacy, including a brief explainer on the Washington Group Questions on Disability and Questions to aid understanding of disability data and inform advocacy. 

“In its work with UNFPA APRO, CBM Global’s IAG has demonstrated  its expertise and effectiveness in driving positive change by building resources, fostering awareness, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders . By leveraging experiences and resources, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, they have showed a strong commitment to support UNFPA in creating more inclusive societies and empowering individuals with disabilities.” Dr. Monire Therese Bassir,  UNFPA Programme Specialist 

For more information

Please see our data page for more information about CBM Global’s work on disability data, including our partnership with UNFPA Asia and the Pacific, and the related resources.

If you would like to know more about this project, please contact Kirsty.Thompson@cbm-global.org

Related resources

• UNFPA Asiapacific | Solution Seekers for an Inclusive Future 

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