RIMINI, 26 June 2026 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President Eugenio Zoffili (Italy) participated today in EXPOAID 2026 – "Io, Persona di Valore" in Rimini, taking part in a roundtable on the international dimension of disability policies organized by Italy's Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli. The session, entitled "The Ministry for Disabilities as a Protagonist in International Relations," brought together representatives of government institutions, international organizations and development agencies to discuss international co-operation in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Speaking in his capacity as OSCE PA Vice-President, Zoffili highlighted the contribution of parliamentary diplomacy to promoting inclusive public policies through dialogue and the exchange of legislative experiences among more than fifty participating States. He underlined that sharing good practices is often the first step towards identifying effective and replicable solutions for common challenges.
Vice-President Eugenio Zoffili speaking at EXPOAID 2026 – "Io, Persona di Valore", Rimini, 26 June 2026Zoffili presented the Assembly's work in fostering co-operation among parliamentarians across the OSCE region and referred to the recent Inter-Parliamentary “Conference on combating organized crime in the OSCE region #STOPDRUGS," held in Rome in May 2026, as an example of how parliamentary dialogue can facilitate the exchange of national experiences and strengthen international co-operation.
Addressing the role of the wider OSCE, Zoffili emphasized the Organization's longstanding commitment to promoting the political participation of persons with disabilities. He referred to the ODIHR Dublin Recommendations on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Participate in Political and Public Life in the OSCE Region and ODIHR's Guidelines to Promote the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities, which call for removing legal and administrative barriers, ensuring accessible electoral processes, and strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in representative institutions and political life.
"The exchange of experiences among parliaments enables us to transform good practices into concrete policies that improve people's lives," Zoffili said. "Persons with disabilities must be fully involved in designing the policies that concern them. The principle ‘Nothing about us without us’ should continue to guide our work in building more inclusive democratic institutions across the OSCE region."
He also noted that accessibility is an integral part of OSCE election observation activities, with international missions assessing not only the legal framework but also the practical accessibility of polling stations, electoral information and voting procedures for persons with disabilities.
EXPOAID 2026, held in Rimini from 25 to 27 June, is Italy's largest institutional event dedicated to disability, inclusion and the empowerment of persons with disabilities, bringing together public institutions, civil society organizations and international partners through conferences, exhibitions and thematic seminars.
