About GDS 2025
The third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025) was held on 2–3 April 2025 in Berlin, co-hosted by the Governments of Germany and Jordan, together with the International Disability Alliance (IDA). The Summit brought together more than 4,700 participants from over 160 countries. Attendees included heads of state, government officials, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society organisations, multilateral agencies, the private sector, donors, and other key actors.
GDS 2025 was marked by its diverse representation — including persons with disabilities from underrepresented groups such as Indigenous communities, conflict-affected regions, and rural areas, as well as youth with disabilities, women with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ persons with disabilities. Regional diversity was also reflected across participants and sessions, ensuring a truly global dialogue on disability inclusion.
The Summit reaffirmed the global community’s commitment to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the goal of leaving no one behind in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Featured Photos about GDS 2025
Key outcomes
Over 800 commitments were made across thematic areas such as inclusive education, employment, healthcare, social protection, humanitarian action, and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.
The Amman-Berlin Declaration, adopted at the Summit, outlines shared priorities to strengthen national ownership and inclusive international cooperation in delivering disability rights.
The programme featured more than 60 sessions with contributions from across regions and sectors.
Civil Society Forum
Held on 1 April 2025, the Civil Society Forum provided a dedicated space for organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society groups, and allies to engage in open dialogue and advocacy ahead of the official Summit. With over 1,500 participants, the Forum amplified grassroots perspectives and sharpened the focus on accountability, participation, and rights-based approaches.
Regional Summits
In the lead-up to GDS 2025, a series of regional consultations and summits were convened to ensure local and regional perspectives helped shape the Summit’s agenda. These events strengthened national engagement, supported inclusive planning, and enabled better alignment of global priorities with regional contexts.