On April 2 – 3, 2025, nearly 4,500 people from 100 countries gathered in Berlin for the third Global Disability Summit (GDS), co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA). Their mission? To accelerate global progress on disability inclusion, and turn promises into real-world impact. 

The Big Promise: “15% for the 15%”
One of the Summit’s most significant achievements was the introduction of a concrete, measurable target: at least 15% of development projects should directly support disability inclusion. Dubbed “15% for the 15%” (a nod to the estimated 15% of the global population living with disabilities), this goal marks a major shift from vague intentions to tangible progress.  

The commitment is laid out in the Amman-Berlin Declaration, endorsed by over 90 governments and organizations. German Development Minister Svenja Schulze captured the urgency of the moment: “The Amman-Berlin Declaration represents a real breakthrough in addressing the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide. For the first time ever there is a measurable goal for how international cooperation can contribute to inclusion.”

Yet, a critical question remains: Why only 80 signatories when 192 countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)? This gap underscores the need for broader global alignment — and stronger accountability. 

Even more concerning? The Declaration, while bold, isn’t legally binding. Because it lacks enforceable mechanisms or guaranteed funding, the risk is clear: without sustained pressure, this commitment could fade into symbolism. 

What to Watch For:

• Follow-through by 2028: Will governments and donors act before time runs out?  
• Funding transparency: Will countries track and publicly report disability-focused spending?  
• Wider adoption: Can the Declaration gain more signatories — and momentum?  
• Policy enforcement: Will goals be written into national laws and budgets?  
• Crisis response: Will people with disabilities in fragile settings finally be prioritized?  

This moment calls for both celebration and scrutiny. The “15% for the 15%” pledge is a milestone — but turning it into lasting change will require relentless advocacy, leadership, and collaboration.  

800+ Commitments, 4,500 Voices
The Summit was attended by 4,500 participants from nearly 100 countries, with more than 60 sessions yielding 800+ commitments — from inclusive education and assistive technology to employment and beyond. 

As Minister Schulze put it: “In addition, more than 800 commitments have been made: every one of them will bring the world a step closer to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At a time when some seem determined to assert the rule of the strong, this Summit sends a strong message of compassion. Together, we are standing firm against every attempt to attack participation and inclusion.”

Among the landmark pledges: UNICEF vowed to allocate 10% of its annual budget to children with disabilities by 2030, expanding inclusive services in 50 countries, while the UK’s FCDO announced a $60 million Assistive Technology Investment Vehicle under the AT2030 program and committed to co-chairing the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network. IDA pledged to support Organizations of Persons of Disabilities in 100+ countries, launch a youth leadership program, and collaborate with the UN Global Disability Fund to advance CRPD implementation. Meanwhile, Germany and the African Union unveiled a partnership to empower OPDs across Africa — prioritizing youth and women — and Education Cannot Wait, alongside Germany, the UK, and the Girls’ Education Challenge, pledged to strengthen data and accountability for inclusive education. A full list of commitments can be found here. 

Global Citizen hosted a fireside chat at the sidelines of the summit addressing the elephant in the room: How can we protect and strengthen support for persons with disabilities when funding is shrinking?

The session featured views by Dr. Ola Abu Alghaib (Director of the UN Global Disability Fund), Miríam Ciscar Blat (Chief Deputy Director Sectoral Branch of the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation), and Abia Akram (Founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities in Pakistan) and sparked a rich discussion reinforcing the need for urgent, collective action to protect the rights of persons with disabilities amid shrinking aid budgets.

Inclusion Starts With Representation
A recurring theme at the Summit? True inclusion requires shared leadership and partnerships with persons with disabilities. As IDA President Nawaf Kabbara stressed, we must move from “inclusion for persons with disabilities” to “inclusion with persons with disabilities.” Sanja Tarczay, President of the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) added: “Without funding, there can be no implementation of the CRPD. Disability inclusion must be adequately and predictably financed across all levels, with explicit budget lines and targets, to end the gap between political will and lived reality.”

What’s Next?

The 2025 Global Disability Summit gave us a roadmap and a challenge. We now have the tools, voices, and pledges to build a more inclusive world. But progress by 2028 hinges on action, visibility, and political courage. The real work begins now: turning these promises into measurable change for everyone, everywhere.