What does it take to build systems that are inclusive from the start? During #UNGA81, The Action Foundation is proud to contribute to two conversations hosted by The Sidebar, exploring how we can strengthen inclusion across early childhood development and climate adaptation. On Wednesday, 23 September, our Founder & Executive Director, Maria Omare, and Director of Programs, Stephen Ikonya, will join other experts for “The First Five Years Matter: What It Takes to Make ECD a Public Priority.” The conversation will explore the importance of investing in the early years, with Maria and Stephen sharing insights from TAF’s work in Disability-Inclusive Early Childhood Development, including prevention, early identification and rehabilitation. On Thursday, 24 September, Stephen Ikonya will represent TAF as a panelist at “Disability, Climate Adaptation and What Inclusive Design Actually Requires.” The session will examine how climate adaptation and emergency systems can exclude persons with disabilities when accessibility is not considered from the outset, and what inclusive design can look like in practice. Both sessions: 3:30–5:00 PM Venue: 134 West 29th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, USA From the early years to climate resilience, these conversations reinforce the importance of placing inclusion at the heart of how systems, services and solutions are designed. If you are in New York during #UNGA81, we would be happy to connect over these important conversations. Image Description: A black-and-white New York-themed graphic featuring portraits of panelists for two The Sidebar side events during #UNGA81. @coimpactcollab @EchidnaGiving @comicrelief @risealliancefmg @nurture_first @LftWKE #UNGA81 #DisabilityInclusion #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment

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