Waqar Abbasi
Nawa-e-Waqt
waqar051@gmail.com
Berlin, Germany — The third edition of the Global Disability Summit (GDS) has concluded in Berlin, marking a historic moment for the global disability movement. Co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the summit brought together over 4,500 participants from more than 100 countries, including a significant number of people with disabilities. The summit focused on fostering global collaboration to improve the lives of the 1 billion people living with disabilities worldwide.
Amman-Berlin Declaration Unveiled with Major Global Commitments
The highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Amman-Berlin Declaration, a landmark agreement that sets a concrete goal: ensuring that 15% of all global development projects promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities. With the endorsement of over 100 countries and international organizations, this declaration establishes measurable targets for inclusion and accessibility, marking a significant step forward in the global fight for disability rights.
German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, hailed the declaration as a pivotal moment. "This initiative strengthens disability rights advocates worldwide. It sets the foundation for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," Schulze said.
Summit Draws Record Participation
The summit, hosted by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), exceeded expectations in both scope and attendance. Delegates from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the business sector, as well as more than 45 delegates from Pakistan, were present. The event also featured prominent leaders, including German Chancellor and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Jordan, who attended the opening ceremony.
Focus on Inclusive Development and Donor Engagement
One of the summit's key themes was the need for donor countries to become active partners in funding initiatives for persons with disabilities. This collaboration aims to secure at least 15% of development funds for the disability community, ensuring that projects for disabled people receive adequate support. The conference also saw intense discussions on the role of international organizations like the United Nations and UNICEF in providing education, rehabilitation, and grants for people with disabilities.
International Cooperation to Strengthen Disability Rights
Germany and the African Union have agreed to collaborate on strengthening organizations that represent disabled people on the African continent. This partnership will help ensure that by 2028, people with mental and physical disabilities in Africa will have access to critical data and resources.
The Road Ahead: Inclusion for All
As the summit drew to a close, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to the inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been ratified by 192 countries, the summit underscored that much work remains to be done. The summit's collaborative spirit and the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration signal a renewed global focus on making inclusion a reality for all.
Waqar Abbasi is a Senior Correspondent for Daily Nawa-e-Waqt and serves as the Finance Secretary of the National Press Club in Islamabad. He can be reached at waqar051@gmail.com
Amman-Berlin Declaration Unveiled with Major Global Commitments
The highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Amman-Berlin Declaration, a landmark agreement that sets a concrete goal: ensuring that 15% of all global development projects promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities. With the endorsement of over 100 countries and international organizations, this declaration establishes measurable targets for inclusion and accessibility, marking a significant step forward in the global fight for disability rights.
German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, hailed the declaration as a pivotal moment. "This initiative strengthens disability rights advocates worldwide. It sets the foundation for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," Schulze said.
Summit Draws Record Participation
The summit, hosted by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), exceeded expectations in both scope and attendance. Delegates from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the business sector, as well as more than 45 delegates from Pakistan, were present. The event also featured prominent leaders, including German Chancellor and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Jordan, who attended the opening ceremony.
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Global Disability Summit 2025 – (From left to right): His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Ra'ad bin Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance, come together in a powerful show of global unity for inclusion. Photo Credit: Florian Gaertner / photothek.net |
Over the course of two days, more than 60 sessions were held, where participants discussed a range of issues affecting the global disabled population, including education, rehabilitation, and equal access to opportunities. The summit's atmosphere was one of shared commitment, with over 800 pledges made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities worldwide.
Focus on Inclusive Development and Donor Engagement
One of the summit's key themes was the need for donor countries to become active partners in funding initiatives for persons with disabilities. This collaboration aims to secure at least 15% of development funds for the disability community, ensuring that projects for disabled people receive adequate support. The conference also saw intense discussions on the role of international organizations like the United Nations and UNICEF in providing education, rehabilitation, and grants for people with disabilities.
International Cooperation to Strengthen Disability Rights
Germany and the African Union have agreed to collaborate on strengthening organizations that represent disabled people on the African continent. This partnership will help ensure that by 2028, people with mental and physical disabilities in Africa will have access to critical data and resources.
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| Participants of GDS-2025 - Credit: Felix Zahn/ photothek.net |
The summit also served as a platform for various countries to share successful models and programs aimed at addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. These shared experiences will serve as valuable tools for other nations looking to implement similar initiatives.
The Road Ahead: Inclusion for All
As the summit drew to a close, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to the inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been ratified by 192 countries, the summit underscored that much work remains to be done. The summit's collaborative spirit and the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration signal a renewed global focus on making inclusion a reality for all.
Waqar Abbasi is a Senior Correspondent for Daily Nawa-e-Waqt and serves as the Finance Secretary of the National Press Club in Islamabad. He can be reached at waqar051@gmail.com
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