Imagine a world where education, employment, and healthcare are truly inclusive — where no one is left behind because of a disability. For nearly 1 in 6 people globally, this isn’t just a vision; it’s a necessity. 

Disabilities intersect with some of the world’s greatest challenges. Persons with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty, and be affected by the climate crisis, pandemics, and conflict. But when we prioritize the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, we don’t just transform individual futures — we take a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of extreme poverty for all.

The Global Disability Summit (GDS), taking place on April 2-3, 2025, in Berlin, Germany, is a pivotal moment in the fight for disability rights. Co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the governments of Germany and Jordan, the Summit will bring together world leaders, policymakers, and advocates to address the barriers persons with disabilities face and promote inclusive futures. 

But the real question is: Will this Summit take advantage of this crucial opportunity to turn promises into action? Here’s what needs to happen at GDS to turn commitments into lasting change.

What Needs to Happen at GDS

1. Increased Investments in Disability Inclusion
True progress demands real financial commitment. Governments and organizations must allocate sufficient resources to ensure that disability-inclusive policies become a reality. Investing in accessibility, education, employment opportunities, and healthcare isn’t just a moral obligation — it’s an economic imperative.

At GDS, we need to see at least 15 countries committing to earmarking 15% of their development portfolios for disability inclusion, plus greater support from the private sector and more inclusive projects in the Global South.

2. Concrete Commitments with Clear Timelines
Words without timelines are meaningless. Governments must ensure that their commitments translate into enforceable action plans with measurable outcomes.

3. Strengthening the Role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
True inclusion requires centering the voices of persons with disabilities. OPDs must be integrated into policymaking at all levels.

4. Promoting Inclusive Development Practices
Every development initiative —whether in education, employment, housing, or climate action — must incorporate disability inclusion as a core principle. The business sector also needs to step up and ensure accessibility in workplaces, products, and services.

5. Improved Data Collection for Informed Advocacy
Without accurate data, it is impossible to track progress, identify gaps, and push for necessary policy changes. We need commitments to standardize data collection and to publish annual reports on inclusion efforts.

Holding Leaders Accountable
Change happens when people raise their voices, demand action, and refuse to let promises go unfulfilled. It happens when advocacy campaigns grow louder — such as this petition with 12,223 signatures calling on leaders at the Global Disability Summit to deliver change for persons with disabilities — and when governments feel the weight of collective accountability. It happens when the stories of persons with disabilities are amplified and OPDs are supported, ensuring that those most affected have a seat at the table. And in a world where a tweet can spark a movement, social media becomes a tool for justice — shining a light on commitments made and calling out those who fall short. Take action here to tell world leaders that disability rights are social justice.

Join Us and Take Action Now
Global Citizen is rallying individuals worldwide to advocate for inclusive policies and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive. Join us in taking action:

• Sign the petition to demand leaders at the Global Disability Summit commit to disability-inclusive policies.
• Educate yourself and others about disability rights.
• Amplify and let people know how you feel about the need to invest more in disability inclusion.

You can also read these stories of persons with disabilities — in their own words. Learn more about the lives of Dr. Wanda Díaz-Merced, an astrophysicist; Benon Kabale, a community mental health advocate; and Noelia Martinez, a dancer and creator of representative dolls for children with disabilities.

Together, we can create a world where no one is left behind.