Global Disability Summit

Have you seen the photos and videos from #GDS2025?Over 4,500 people showed up in Berlin🇩🇪 from 160 countries to attend 60+ sessions across two days. Governments, OPDs, youth leaders, private sector, donors. Everyone in one place pushing disability inclusion forward. 🔗You can now explore videos from the Civil Society Forum, GDS Day 1 and Day 2, along with the full photo gallery. Head to our website and take a look: globaldisabilitysummit.org @IDA_CRPD_Forum @BMZ_Bund @HCDJORDAN

What’s changed since your #GDS2025 commitment? As we mark 1⃣ year since the GDS, we invite stakeholders and partners to review your commitments, gather updates, and share your progress. To support you, we will be releasing short video tutorials and guide you through each step of the reporting process. Reporting opens on the GDS portal in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. Take a moment to revisit photos from last year’s Summit. 👇 @IDA_CRPD_Forum @BMZ_Bund @HCDJORDAN

21 March marks #WorldDownSyndromeDay, recognized by the @UN. This year’s theme, #TogetherAgainstLoneliness reminds us inclusion is not just about access, it is about connection. People with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience loneliness when systems exclude. Turning the CRPD into action means building support, removing barriers, and enabling belonging. 🇳🇵The Down Syndrome Association of Nepal (DSAN) made commitments at the #GDS to build stronger, more connected communities for persons with Down syndrome. By focusing on inclusion, participation, and support systems, DSAN is working to ensure that no one is left to navigate life alone. 🔗To access all commitments from DSAN, head to our portal: gds.idata.tools/home #DownSyndromeAwareness #DisabilityInclusion @DSiupdate @IDA_CRPD_Forum

This #InternationalWomensDay, we spotlight how the GDS is reshaping systems for women and girls with disabilities. At #GDS2025, 345 commitments centered women and girls with disabilities across 13 thematic areas. Among these commitments was Afritales & Artistry’s Hekaya x Riziki initiative that will support 100 marginalized artists across Africa by 2027, focusing on women and girls with disabilities through an accessible digital platform, exhibitions, and mentorship. 🔗Explore the commitments: gds.idata.tools/overview

Persons with disabilities face disproportionately high unemployment due to exclusionary systems, not lack of ability. The right to work includes access to open, inclusive, and accessible labour markets. At #GDS2025, 69 commitments focused on inclusive employment. One example is Xtalento Latam by @ONCE_oficial Social Group, a regional initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean in partnership with @the_IDB. The initiative is strengthening disability-inclusive employment services and building a community of practice to sustain knowledge exchange and inclusive labour-market systems, aiming to reach more than 5,000 people. @IDA_CRPD_Forum

Youth leadership is transforming the #GDS process. From participation to accountability, young persons with disabilities are helping turn commitments into measurable progress through the Youth Call to Action. 🔗 Read more: globaldisabilitysummit.org/resource/the-i…

#SocialProtection is not a last resort. It is the foundation of a secure living. Among the 55 commitments recorded at #GDS2025 on social protection, one example of how these commitments translate into action comes from @dfat in the Philippines. Through its Support for Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) programme, Australia 🇦🇺 is working with the Government of the Philippines 🇵🇭 to strengthen social protection systems. This includes improving government data and identification processes so persons with disabilities can better access targeted services and income support. Inclusion starts with systems that work for everyone. 🔗Explore the commitments: gds.idata.tools #DisabilityRights @IDA_CRPD_Forum

OPDs are driving change to make health systems accessible and accountable. At #GDS2025, @Plenainclusion España committed to improving healthcare access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, tackling discrimination, cognitive accessibility, mental health support, and overmedication. The Lancet Commission on Disability and Health is examining these gaps. @IDA_CRPD has launched a global survey to gather OPD priorities. If you are an OPD, share your insights: idata.tools/v2/l2exQAddPUM… #DisabilityInclusion #HealthEquity #CRPD #GDS2025

#AccessibleInfrastructure goes beyond ramps and elevators. At #GDS2025, accessibility was highlighted as a precondition for inclusion, recognizing that without barrier-free buildings, transport, public spaces, and services, persons with disabilities cannot fully participate in society. GDS 2025 stakeholders made 84 commitments, aligning with CRPD Article 9, to build inclusive environments and public spaces, as a key step toward realizing this right. As part of a broader commitment to enhance accessibility, Germany @BMZ_Bund is investing €10 million from 2025 to 2026, in collaboration with the @UN, to establish a Support Center dedicated to breaking down barriers in urban environments for people with disabilities. Learn more about these commitments here: gds.idata.tools @IDA_CRPD_Forum

At #GDS2025, the @ifsbh showed how OPD leadership drives concrete change, from vitamin B9 fortification to stronger care protocols and smoother transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. The Lancet Commission on Disability and Health aims to advance disability-inclusive health systems. @IDA_CRPD has launched a global survey to gather OPD priorities. If you are an OPD, share your insights: idata.tools/v2/l2exQAddPUM… #DisabilityInclusion #HealthEquity #CRPD #GDS2025

The #GDS Inclusion Cup in Kenya shows what it means to turn commitments into action. More than a football tournament, it brought together diverse groups of persons w disabilities to promote accessibility, participation, and inclusive public spaces at the local level. As @blackalbinism CEO Alan Herbert shared, community-driven initiatives like this ensure that GDS commitments become locally grounded efforts. The tournament was supported by @CBM_Global, @UDPKenya, @ActioNetwork, and Parklands Sports Club. 🔎 Read the full story: globaldisabilitysummit.org/resource/inclu…

#HealthEquity means access to quality healthcare for all. Under the UN CRPD, this includes accessible facilities, trained health workers, informed consent, and equal access to sexual and reproductive health, mental health care, rehabilitation, and #AssistiveTechnology. At #GDS2025, 73 commitments focused on transforming health systems so that persons with disabilities are not left out. @WHO also launched its Disability Health Equity Initiative to embed disability inclusion across health systems, policies, and data: internationaldisabilityalliance.org/blog/who-annou… @IDA_CRPD_Forum

This #EducationDay we are reminded that many children with disabilities continue to face persistent barriers that exclude them from accessing quality education. At #GDS2025, 97 commitments on inclusive education called for systemic reform. They focus on accessible infrastructure, inclusive teaching, assistive technologies, and trained educators. Turning commitments into action is key to ensuring no learner is left behind. Learn more:gds.idata.tools @IDA_CRPD_Forum

On #WorldBrailleDay, we are reminded that access is not just about a script. It is about systems. At #GDS2025, commitments around inclusive communication, digital access, and institutional capacity highlight a critical truth: The use of Braille becomes effective when institutions are equipped to use it in practice. Training public service employees, building accessible digital systems, and investing in inclusive service delivery are not optional but obligatory under the #CRPD. 🔗Visit the GDS Commitments Portal: gds.idata.tools #DisabilityInclusion @BlindUnion @IDA_CRPD_Forum

🏙️Cities shape everyday life. They also shape inclusion. With over half of persons with disabilities and older persons living in cities, progress starts in our streets, schools, transport and community services. ➡️Join @uclg_org today as we launch a new effort to localise the CRPD and advance #Cities4All. At #GDS2025, city leaders committed to stronger action. Now we turn commitments into results. ➡️This initiative will help cities take forward the CRPD, work closely with OPDs, learn from the RICH Hub and prepare for #GDS2028. 🔗Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regist… #IDPD2025

What changes when global commitments are backed by accountability? Disability inclusive societies that move social progress forward. At #GDS2025, countries and partners endorsed this shared goal while making 800+ commitments. This year’s #IDPD theme, fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, shows why accountability matters. Implementation must accelerate so that persons with disabilities experience inclusion in everyday life. Let’s make sure the GDS cycle leads to: • accessible schools and digital learning • employment pathways designed with OPDs • public infrastructure that everyone can use #IDPD2025 #OPDs

Youth call to action in motion. Join us on 10 December, Human Rights Day 🌍 Launched at #GDS2025, the Youth Call to Action outlines ten priorities from youth with disabilities. @IDA_CRPD_Forum invites youth leaders, OPDs, governments and partners to turn commitments into real progress. What to expect during this session: - Strategies to hold governments accountable 📌 - Insights into monitoring existing commitments 📊 - A roadmap for continued youth-led engagement 🗺️ 🔗 Register now and be part of the movement: tinyurl.com/GDSYouthWebinar

🌍 At the #SocialSummit2025, join us for a Solutions Session on Accelerating Disability Inclusion Across the Three Pillars of Social Development. 6 Nov | 1:15–2:30 PM | Room 7, QNCC, Doha Co-organized by IDA & @UN_GDF #LeaveNoOneBehind #disabilityinclusion