Uniting for Disability-Inclusion Early Years Investment

An event organised by Theirworld and Perkins International

Date: Wednesday September 24, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: ABCD Room, Reed Smith LLP, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York

Event Overview

Every child deserves the same opportunities to thrive, regardless of ability. The All Means All event brings together leaders from across sectors to unite disability and early years movements in driving meaningful change for young children with disabilities.

Young children with disabilities face barriers across all early years services, from healthcare that doesn’t screen for developmental needs, to preschools where 1 in 4 children with disabilities can’t access places, to family support that doesn’t recognise additional costs. When we remove these barriers and design services that welcome every child, we create stronger, more inclusive communities where all children and families thrive together.

This workshop creates space for cross-movement collaboration, identifying concrete opportunities where philanthropies, governments, and civil society can work together more effectively. The window of opportunity in the first five years of life, when brain development is most rapid, is simply too important to miss for these children and their families.

Security, Registration & Check-in

Due to high-level security protocols during UNGA Week, strict registration and access requirements apply to all attendees.

Registration Requirements: Only pre-registered and accredited guests will be allowed to enter the venue without any exceptions. All team and delegation members, including support staff, security personnel, translators, photographers, and assistants, must be pre-registered at least five days before the event date.

Venue Access: Guests should enter 599 Lexington Avenue from the corner of E 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue and proceed to the check-in desk with a valid picture ID to receive their accreditation badges. Only accredited guests can proceed through the turnstiles and will be directed to the elevators and appropriate event rooms.

Check-in Times: All attendees are encouraged to check in and pick up their event accreditation at least 30 minutes before the 8:00 AM start time. The check-in desk will be located in the lobby of 599 Lexington Avenue and open from 7:00 AM.

Waiting Area: Due to strict security protocols, those without pre-registration will be asked to leave the building lobby. Delegation members without registration can wait for their principals and teams at the restaurants and public seating areas at “The Hugh” across the street on E 53rd Street.

Agenda

8:00 AM	Context Setting Justin van Fleet, President, Theirworld shares key insights from the “All Means All” discussion paper
8:10 AM	Keynote Sidsel Kristensen, CEO discusses why connecting disability-inclusion to early years investment is critical for young children with disabilities to thrive, drawing from the Lego Foundation’s new strategy
8:20 AM	Quick-Fire Panel Katherine Holland, Executive Director, Perkins International facilitates discussion on cross-movement collaboration examples, barriers, and opportunities. Panelists include: Charlotte Mclain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor, World Bank; James Casserly, Youth Advocate, Sightsavers; Camilla Anker, Vice President, Fundação Lemann; and Jo Bourne, Chief Technical Officer, Global Partnership for Education.
8:45 AM	Breakout Discussions Table discussions explore gaps when actors work in isolation, how philanthropies and investment can support collaboration, and examples of effective collaboration for young children with disabilities
9:10 AM	Table Report Backs Key insights and collaboration opportunities shared with the full group
9:25 AM	Closing Remarks Katherine Holland, Executive Director, Perkins International

Accessibility and Participation
This event is designed to be fully accessible. International sign language interpretation and assistive technology will be available. The cabaret-style setup includes an accessible stage and table materials to support interactive discussions.

Media and Photography
Media access, including staff photographers, is granted by prior accreditation only. Professional photography will be taken by the Theirworld team and distributed to all attendees post-event.

Event Contacts
Please contact us at rsvp@theirworld.org with any questions or for media inquiries contact media@theirworld.org.