GDS 2025 program - Global Disability Summit

Program

The GDS main program and its themes have been finalized by the co-hosts after two years of rigorous consultations with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and stakeholders from around the world. Their priority areas were presented to the co-hosts and have been incorporated into the program.

The final program is now available offline download. Download here in English, German and Arabic.

A more accessible English agenda is available here.

A photo of the GDS Summit in London in 2018, depicting people seated during one of the main sessions.

Featured speakers

They range from government officials to non-profit leaders, academics and activists, all sharing their insights, experiences and strategies to advance disability-inclusive development and humanitarian action.

Watch the recorded livestream

English: Click here
German: Click here
Arabic: Click here

Daily Program

2nd April, 2025

Download day program

Registration

All day

Location:

Hall 6

Registration is possible in English, German, Arabic and Sign Language.
Accessible counters will be provided.

Exhibition Space

All day

Location:

Hall 3

More information on the Exhibitors in the Exhibitions tab.

Catering

All day

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Various areas to self-cater, accessible counters and distribution, service staff.

Relaxation + Meeting Area

All day

Location:

Hall 4.1, 8, 1^st floor (tbc)

Two Quiet Rooms available

Networking

All day

Location:

Hall 8

Screen Program

All day

Location:

Hall 3, 6, 7, 8

We will have screens projecting the daily program information.

Time:

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

60’

Location:

Halls 1.2, 4.2, 7.2, 7.3

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

60’

Location:

Halls 1.2, 4.2, 7.3

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Time:

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7.2

Press Conference

Lunch Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

11:30 AM – 12:10 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

12:10 PM – 12:55 PM

40’

Location:

Hall 7

Pre-Opening

Dance artists
Presentation of outcomes from Regional Summits

Moderators

Caroline Casey

Moderator

Speakers

Nadia Hadad

Member of the Executive Committee, European Disability Forum
Juan Angel de Gouveia

President, Latin American Network of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families
Fatma Wangare

Executive Officer, Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped
PT Lim

Chair, ASEAN Disability Forum
Moaffak Alkhfaji

Vice President, Arab Organization for Persons with Disabilities
Luisa Manuofetoa

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Social of the Social Protection and Disability Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tonga

Time:

12:55 PM – 13:30 PM

35’

Location:

Hall 7

High-Level Opening

Opening statements

Moderators

Katie Gallus

International Moderator and Journalist
Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Olaf Scholz

Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
H.M. King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein

King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Nawaf Kabbara

Chair and President, International Disability Alliance
H.E. Amina J. Mohammed

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

Time:

13:30 PM – 14:15 PM

120’

Location:

Hall 7

Opening Part II: Voices for Inclusion

Moderators

Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Åsmund Grøver Aukrust

Minister of International Development, Norway
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Director-General, World Health Organization
Anacláudia Rossbach

Executive Director, UN-Habitat
Charlotte Young

Youth Ambassador, International Disability Alliance
Sanja Tarczay

President, World Federation of the Deafblind
Marie Luise Abomo

Commissioner, African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

14:15 PM – 14:45 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

14:45 PM – 15:45 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

Shaping Inclusive Labour Markets and Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities Worldwide

This session is about Inclusive Employment and Decent Work in the context of the implementation of the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). The panel brings together senior leaders from government, international organisations, employers’ organizations, trade unions and organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to address the challenges implementing the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) in the world of work.

The discussion will focus on creating more inclusive and accessible job markets, and on related topics such as equipping persons with disabilities with necessary skills and building employer capacity to meet UN CRPD and International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
Panellists will discuss innovative solutions in advocacy, policy, practice and partnerships to enhance disability equality and economic empowerment. Ultimately, the panellists will explore what must change globally to improve employment prospects for the 1.3 billion people with disabilities.

The Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin serves as a key platform to advance disability-inclusive development. Ensuring “Decent Work” for persons with disabilities remains a challenge, despite commitments under the UN CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). Barriers such as discrimination, inaccessible skills training, low expectations, and outdated policies continue to limit the economic participation of persons with disabilities globally.

Moderators

Katie Gallus

International Moderator and Journalist
Caroline Casey

Moderator

Speakers

H.E. Fatmir Gjeka

Minister of Human and Minority-Rights, Montenegro
Bärbel Kofler

Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
Luc Triangle

Secretary-General, International Trade Union Confederation
Celeste Drake

Deputy Director-General, International Labour Organisation
Erol Kiresepi

Honorary President, International Organisation of Employers
Fatma Wangare

Executive Officer, Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped
Jake Epelle

Chief Executive Officer, TAF Africa

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

15:45 PM – 16:15 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

16:15 PM – 17:15 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

Launch of the Resilient and Inclusive Cities Hub (RICH): Because the cities of the future need to work for all

With rapid urbanization and increasing challenges posed by climate change, cities are at a pivotal moment in reshaping their own future. Urban areas must adapt to be inclusive and resilient, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially persons with disabilities who face disproportionate risks from disasters, harshening environmental conditions, lack of consideration during reconstruction efforts, inaccessible infrastructure and exclusion from planning processes.

The Resilient and Inclusive Cities Hub (RICH) focuses on integrating inclusion and resilience into urban development, disaster risk reduction as well as recovery and reconstruction efforts to address accessibility gaps and ensure meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all phases of urban planning and governance. The aim is to foster partnerships, drive innovative projects and build a global knowledge-sharing platform to disseminate best practices for disability-inclusive urban resilience.

Moderators

Caroline Casey

Moderator

Speakers

H.E. Svenja Schulze

Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
Sir Stephen Timms

Minister of State, Department of Work and Pension and Department of Education, United Kingdom
Anacláudia Rossbach

Executive Director, UN-Habitat
Diana Rodriguez Franco

Special Advisor on Gender and Diversity to the President, Inter-American Development Bank
Haoliang Xu

United Nations Under-Secretary-General und UNDP Associate Administrator
Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o

Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya
Ola Abualghaib

Director, UN Global Disability Fund
Cato Lie

First Vice President, International Disability Alliance

Location:

Hall 1.2

Health for all: Transforming health-systems and ensuring health equity for persons with disabilities

Prioritizing health equity for persons with disabilities is essential for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and the broader Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets. Without their full inclusion, global health priorities will remain unattainable. Advancing health equity not only improves individual well-being but also enables the broader participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Persons with disabilities face significant health inequities, including higher disease risk, poorer health outcomes, and even earlier mortality. These disparities are largely driven by unfair and avoidable factors within and beyond the health sector. Barriers such as limited access to quality healthcare services, inaccessible physical environments, negative attitudes among healthcare providers, high costs of services, and pervasive societal stigma and discrimination contribute to this crisis.

There is growing recognition of the systemic marginalization faced by persons with disabilities in healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted these inequities in its Global Report on health equity for persons with disabilities (2022). The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been actively working to include persons with disabilities and their representative organizations across its technical initiatives, supporting countries in expanding access to health services as part of their progress toward universal health coverage (UHC). Additionally, mental health remains a critical aspect of overall health. The World Health Organizations (WHO) QualityRights initiative offers a comprehensive framework to shift mental health systems and practices toward a model that respects human rights, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Recent advances in political prioritization in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and in global health and technical and normative guidance by the the World Health Organization (WHO) have the potential to reshape the landscape of health policy and service-delivery for persons with disabilities. Historically, despite experiencing some of the most severe health inequities, persons with disabilities have often been overlooked in public health discussions and policies. Furthermore, ableism, stigma, and discrimination continue to permeate healthcare settings. Many laws and policies still deny persons with disabilities the right to make their own healthcare decisions, leading to harmful practices such as forced sterilization, involuntary admission and treatment, and institutionalization. Unconscious biases among medical staff have also contributed to discriminatory triage practices, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where health policies often failed to consider the specific needs of persons with disabilities.

This 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS) plenary session presents a crucial opportunity for health and disability stakeholders to advance discussions on health equity for persons with disabilities, with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations at the centre of political prioritization to strengthen health systems towards inclusion and equity for all.

Moderators

Katie Gallus

International Moderator and Journalist
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance

Speakers

H.E. Samah Hamad

Minister of Social Development, Palestinian Territories
Darryl Barrett

Technical Lead, Disability and Rehabilitation Unit, World Health Organization
Tom Shakespeare

Lancet Commissioner, Lancet Commission on Disability
Janet Charchuk

Ambassador, Down Syndrome International
Ian McFarlane

Director, Division of External Relations, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Hildegarde Naughton

Minister of State, Department of children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Ireland
Mukhtar Ahmad Malik

State Minister of Health, Pakistan

Location:

Halls 7.2, 7.3

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

17:15 PM – 17:45 PM

Location:

Hall 3,8

Time:

17:45 PM – 18:45 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

Building future ready, inclusive infrastructure for all – New challenges & local solutions

Accessibility is not merely a standalone right, but a pre-condition for realizing the entire Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Many countries have enacted accessibility laws and policies that are supposed to ensure the accessibility of infrastructure to allow everyone to navigate the world independently, yet implementation remains uneven. Data shows that in developing countries, 33% of persons with disabilities find their dwelling inaccessible, while 43% report that transportation is not accessible. Globally, in 2022, only 57% of buildings, 52% of playgrounds, and 51% of museums were accessible to wheelchair users. Alarming gaps persist in health care facilities—often exceeding 30% inaccessibility, and in some countries reaching 80%. Even more concerning, accessibility in transportation has declined in certain developing countries since 2018.

With 16 percent of persons worldwide living with one or more disabilities, it is critical to place inclusion and access to spaces and public services as well as participation in social and economic activities for persons with disabilities accessibility at the heart of public infrastructure development.

In this session, where representatives of governments, innovators, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and others come together, we will examine how accessible infrastructure must look like, dive into examples of what has worked in driving accessible infrastructure locally and take stock of our progress towards fulfilling Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Moderators

Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş

Minister of Family and Social Services, Türkiye
H.E. Alessandra Locatelli

Minister for Disabilities, Italy
Johannes M. Böhmer

Vice-Governor Social Development Strategy, Council of Europe Development Bank
Rania Dagash-Kamara

Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, World Food Programme
Iain McKinnon

Executive Director, Global Disability Innovation Hub
Andrew Parsons

President, International Paralympic Committee
Fernanda Santana

General Secretary, Brazilian Association for Action in the Rights of Autistic People

Location:

Hall 1.2

From Gradual Actions to Systems Change: How to Transform Education Systems to be Inclusive of and accessible to all

The main objective of the session is to propose solutions to transform national education systems to be inclusive and accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities.

The panel will identify priorities for key stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of education systems, leading to inclusive systems throughout the education chain.

Moderators

Caroline Casey

Moderator

Speakers

H.E. Sindisiwe Chikunga

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, South Africa
H.E. Åsmund Grøver Aukrust

Minister of International Development, Norway
Sir Stephen Timms

Minister of State, Department of Work and Pension and Department of Education, United Kingdom
Omar Abdi

Deputy Executive Director, United Nations International Children’s Fund
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance
Nidhi Singal

Professor, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Location:

Halls 4.2, 7.3

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Get-together

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking
·       Cultural Program

18:45 PM – 21:00 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

60’

Location:

Hall 1.2

Side Event 1

Ensuring income security for persons with disabilities: the role of disability-specific social security benefits and their feasibility in low- and middle-income countries.
Organized by: The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), Jordan, Shamil Technical Facility

Speakers

Muhannad Alazzeh

Secretary General, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan
Salote Latu Biukoto

Principal Welfare Officer, Disability Unit, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Fiji
Stephen Kidd

Technical Director, Shamil
Pathamavathy Naicker

General Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation, South African Social Security Agency, South Africa

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 2

Building Disability-Inclusive Resilience in the Sahel
Organized by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Speakers

H.E. Savia N’Taha

Minister of Social Affairs, Mauritania
Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven

Managing Director, GIZ
Kavita Brahmbhatt

Senior Programme Policy Officer, Disability Inclusion, World Food Programme
Christine Plastrotmann

Senior Policy Adviser, BMZ
Omar Siddo

Member, FNPH Niger
Fara Emile Tenguiano

Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF Mali
Soumaya Voulani

Youth Advocate, Mauritania

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 3

Deaf Indigenous women’s access to health: the power of citizen data and culturally designed training on SRHR
Organized by: World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)

Speakers

Joseph J. Murray

President, World Federation of the Deaf
Lauren Avery

Disability Project Coordinator, Minority Rights Group International
David Bainbridge

Executive Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion
Pratima Gurung

President, National Indigenous Disabled Women Asociation, Nepal
Ruci Senikula

Regional Coordination, Pacific Disability Forum
Pamela Molina

Executive Director, World Federation of the Deaf

Location:

Hall 7.3

Side Event 4

Fostering Inclusive Democratic Cultures Through the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities
Organized by: International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

Speakers

Abia Akram

CEO, National Forum of Women with Disabilities, Pakistan
Virginia Atkinson

Senior Global Advisor, International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Yuliia Sachuk

Head, Fight for Right, Ukraine
Birgitta Weibahr

Senior Policy Specialist, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Hazem Zureiqat

Member of the Board of Trustees, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

60’

Location:

Hall 1.2

Side Event 5

Inclusive Employment in the Arab Region: Challenges and Policy Recommendations
Organized by: Executive Bureau – Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in GCC (GCCLSA); International Labour Organization (ILO); United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); International Disability Alliance (IDA); Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD); The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD); League of Arab States

Speakers

H.E. Amthal Al-huwailah

Minster of Social Affairs, Kuwait
Haifa Abu Ghazaleh

Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Social Affairs Sector, League of Arab States
Mohamed AlGhayeb

Section Head, Social Development, Executive Bureau – Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs, GCC States
Rania Al Jazairi

Social Affairs Officer and Head of the Disability Portfolio
Moaffak Alkhfaji

Vice President, Arab Organization for Persons with Disabilities
Raafat Alzetawi

Expert in Accessibility at the Workplace and Director of the Equal Opportunity Department, HCD
Safiya Bahlani

Founder & Owner, Safiya Arts Gallery & Studio
Stefan Tromel

Senior Disability Specialist, International Labour Organization

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 6

Closing the gap: six principles to achieve inclusive development
Organized by: Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Sightsavers, International Disability Alliance, United Disabled Persons of Kenya, Network of Women with Disabilities, BBC

Speakers

Sir Stephen Timms

Minister of State, Department of Work and Pension and Department of Education, United Kingdom
Lois Auta

Founder and President, Network of Women with Disabilities
Paul Carter

Senior Presenter, BBC
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance
Diana Dalton

Deputy Director for Gender, Equalities and Rights, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Government
Esther Mkamori

Head of programmes, United Disabled Persons of Kenya
Johannes Trimmel

Programme Director, Disability Inclusive Development, Sightsavers

Location:

Hall 7.3

Side Event 7

Realizing Commitments to Disability Inclusive Humanitarian Action – the Role of Financing
Organized by: Disability Reference Group (DRG)

Speakers

H.E. Åsmund Grøver Aukrust

Minister of International Development, Norway
Omar Abdi

Deputy Executive Director, United Nations International Children’s Fund
Alradi Abdalla

Inclusive Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor, International Disability Alliance
Pasi Hellman

Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland
Juan Angel de Gouveia

President, Latin American Network of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families
Deike Potzel

Head of humanitarian assistance, crisis prevention, stablization and peace building, German Federal Foreign Office
Maulani Rotinsulu

General Secretary, ASEAN Disability Forum
Robyne Leven

Assistant Director, DFAT’s Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Strategy Performance and Effectiveness Section

Lunch Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

11:30 AM – 12:15 AM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

16:15 PM – 17:15 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 8

How to pursue systemic change for inclusive education?
Organized by: World Bank, The Scottish Government

Speakers

H.E. Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Malawi
Luis Benveniste

Global Director, Education, World Bank
Lucy Magagula

Deputy Director for Inclusive Education, Ministry of Education, Malawi
Beatrice Matafwali

Associate Professor, University of Zambia
Malonje Phiri

District Coordinator, Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi 
Kaukab Stewart

Minister for Equalities, Scotland

Location:

Hall 7.3

Side Event 9

Innovate for Inclusion: Breaking Barriers in Ukraine
Organized by: German Platform for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, UNDP Ukraine

Speakers

Anton Kolomeytsev

Chief Architekt, Lviv City Council
Tetiana Lomakina

Advisor, Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment
Iryna Malyutina

Advisor, Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
Ulyana Pcholkina

Chair of the Board, The League of the Strong
Dmytro Popov

Head, Digital Accessibility Laboratory
Olena Ursu

Programme Specialist, UNDP Ukraine

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

17:15 PM – 17:45 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

17:45 PM – 18:45 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 10

AI for development: bridging the barrier between non-standard speech and the use of Automatic Speech Recognition
Organized by: Google, Global Disability Innovation Hub, Centre for Digital Language Inclusion

Speakers

Christopher Patnoe

Head of Europe, Middle East, Africa – Accessibility and Disability Innovation, Google
Gifty Ayoka

Founder, Talking Tips Africa Foundation
Richard Cave

Research Fellow, Global Disability Innovation Hub
Catherine Holloway

Founder and Academic Director, Global Disability Innovation Hub
Yvonne Johnson

Advocate for AI and Diversity

Location:

Hall 7.3

Side Event 11

Advancing disability-inclusive development through intensified parliamentary engagement & parliamentary networks
Organized by: CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V. and International Disability Alliance

Speakers

Nawaf Kabbara

Chair and President, International Disability Alliance
Rainer Brockhaus

Chief Executive Officer, CBM
Laura Kanushu

MP representing Women with Disabilities, Uganda
Karin Sauerteig

Adviser, European Parliament
Neema K. Lugangira

MP, Tanzania
Dominique Schlupkothen

Director Communicy Based Inclusive Development, CBM

Get-together

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking
·       Cultural Program

18:45 PM – 21:00 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

9:00 – 9:30

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Stories of Pacific Resilience

Pacific Islands Forum

Speakers

Anne Herman

Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Cook Islands
Anika Kingmele

Vice President, People with Disabilities Association – Solomon Islands
Michael Aneo

Marshall Islands Disabled Peoples Organisation, Republic of Marshall Islands

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Boosting the Nairobi Declaration – Alliancing for African Inclusive Development

African Disability Forum & BRIDGE Africa project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Speakers

Joseph Motari

Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Republic of Kenya
Fatma Wangare

Executive Officer, Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped
Ingar Düring

Project Manager for BRIDGE Africa, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

Breaking Down Barriers: The Intersectional Impact of Ageism and Ableism

HelpAge International

Speakers

Annie Wright

Global Inclusion Advisor, HelpAge International
Kobi Maglen

Director of Program Impact, CBM Australia
Andrew Kavala

Commissioner, Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and Chair for Disability and Elderly Directorate
Esther Mkamori

Head of programmes, United Disabled Persons of Kenya

Break

10:00 am – 10:30 am

Time:

10:30 – 11:00

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Intersectionality in Action: LGBTQIA+ Voices on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction, with Inclusive Rainbow Voices

Inclusive Rainbow Voices

Speakers

Clare Gibellini

Co-Chair, Inclusive Rainbow Voices
Margherita Coppolino

Co-Chair, Inclusive Rainbow Voices

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Bridging the Inclusion Gap in international mobility and academic exchange

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Speakers

Collins Losu

DAAD
Julia Proft

DAAD
Rukiye Burkart

DAAD

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

How ODA cuts impact Persons With Disability

Global Citizen Deutschland

Moderators

Friederike Meister

Senior Advocacy Director, Global Citizen

Speakers

Ola Abualghaib

Director, UN Global Disability Fund
Abia Akram

CEO, National Forum of Women with Disabilities, Pakistan
Miriam Ciscar Blat

Chief (Deputy Director) Sectoral Branch, Spanish Agency of International Cooperation

Lunch break & High-Level opening

11:30 am – 16:15 pm

Time:

16:15 – 16:45

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Young Women and Men with Disabilities Driving Economic Inclusion Through the ‘We Can Work’ Program

African Disability Forum (ADF)

Speakers

Maureen Kalungi

National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU)
Emmanuel Izere

National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda (NUDOR)
Elizabeth Adams

Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

TAF Africa Disability Inclusion forum

TAF Africa & Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction & Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)

Speakers

H.E. Yusuf T. Sununu

Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
Jake Epelle

Chief Executive Officer, TAF Africa
Ishaq Oloyede

Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

Driving Disability Inclusion in companies: The Role of Performance Indicators and Regulatory Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Dialoghaus Hamburg gGmbH, Germany & myAbility Social Enterprise GmbH, Austria

Speakers

Filip Bertzbach

Expert for Measurement and Evaluation, Dialoghaus Hamburg
Nora Bilz

Head of the German Office, myAbility GmbH
Jürgen Menze

Technical Specialist, Disability Inclusion, International Labour Organisation

Break

17:15 pm – 17:45 pm

Time:

17:45 – 18:15

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

The Future of work is accessible: Building a Gen-AI-Powered inclusive Workplace

Atos

Speakers

Ricardo Garcia Bahamonde

Director of Accessibility and Digital Inclusion, Atos
Beatriz González Mellídez

Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion, Central Europe, Atos, IAAP D-A-CH
Alexandra Nothnagel

Atos, 100% Handinamique, CNCPH
Sophia Yordanova-Ravacheva

Atos

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Autistic Community through Advocacy: The ACTIVATE Project

Directorate for Disability Issues – Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector – Malta

Speakers

Emily Slater

Directorate for Disability Issues
Raquel Lebre

Learning & Development Project Lead, IMPACTSci
Andreia Morgado

Founder and Director, IMPACTSci

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

Empowering Voices: Advancing Disability Inclusion in DRR and Climate Action in the Arab States

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Speakers

Mostafa Attia

Disability Inclusive DRR Expert
Heba Hagrass

UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Tarek el Nabulsi

Director, Development and Social Policies Dept., League of Arab States

Time:

All Day – Hall 3

8:30 am – 18:30 pm’

Location:

Co-Host Jordan

A Barrier-Free Jordan

Organized by: The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD)

As the lead on all technical and logistical preparations on behalf of the GDS 2025 co-host in Jordan, the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will participate in the activities of the Global Disability Summit 2025 with an exhibition for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan titled A Barrier-Free Jordan. The exhibition will focus on displaying the best practices and pioneering projects in the field of supporting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in various fields in partnership with a group of governmental institutions and private sector corporations. A group of videos, photos, brochures and replica for unique historical and archeological pieces will also be displayed, reflecting the experience of these institutions in piloting inclusive projects for persons with disabilities in order to raise awareness and encourage civil society institutions and the private sector entities to move forward in the disability-inclusive agenda in a variety of fields.

Location:

Visit Berlin

visitBerlin

Organized by: visitBerlin

visitBerlin is dedicated to making Berlin an inclusive and accessible destination. Our key actions include information and inspiration, collaboration with “Tourism for all”, awareness and training as well as building a network for accessibility within Berlin.

Location:

UN Global Disability Fund (UN GDF)

Organized by: UN Global Disability Fund (UN GDF)

The UN Global Disability Fund’s booth will exhibit the important work of UN GDF advancing multi-stakeholder, country-led disability inclusion around the world. The booth will feature experts, case studies, and information on initiatives from UN GDF and its partners in the following areas: inclusive and resilient cities; capacity building and evidence; CSOs; and GDF’s new strategy. Visit us to talk to UN GDF colleagues and our partners, and to learn more about our work.

Location:

Global Disability Innovation Hub: accelerating ideas into impact for a more just world

Organized by: Global Disability Innovation Hub

The exhibition will showcase pioneering global programmes, innovative tech development and research, and how our diverse portfolio enables rapid translation of research into practice. We’ll share key resources and knowledge products for the wider sector, alongside our collaborations with global institutions, business and tech to drive change. Tangible, real-world examples of disability innovation will sit alongside evidence and insights lead by academic excellence as we showcase our vision for disability inclusion and social justice.

Location:

Accessibility 2030 Pavilion: Collaborative Pathways to Inclusive Cities

Organized by: Global Disability Innovation Hub, UNHabitat, UN Global Disability Fund (UN GDF), World Blind Union (WBU)

At this GDS booth, GDI Hub will lead the Accessibility 2030 initiative in partnership with the UK AID funded AT2030 programme, the Global Disability Fund, UNHabitat and World Blind Union. These partnerships ensure that a diversity of voices and expertise is showcased, emphasizing the power of collective action. Together, the partners will present projects and tools that advance accessibility in cities. The exhibition is a continuation of the Accessibility 2030 initiative, where we brought together 15 partners at World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt in November. The booth will feature a collaborative showcase of innovations, case studies, and tools aimed at addressing urban accessibility challenges. The content will be tailored to engage visitors, fostering dialogue on how we can work together to make our cities more inclusive.

Location:

This is what inclusion looks like

Organized by: Inclusive futures

In the five countries where we work, there are now more children with disabilities learning at school, more entrepreneurs with disabilities earning a living, and more people with accessing the health care they need, and living their lives free from discrimination. This is what inclusion looks like. Visit our booth to connect with our consortium and OPD partners, explore key insights from our programme such as the six principles for inclusive development, and access memorable stories with our collection of postcards and videos. You can also pledge your support to future generations by signing our open letter on inclusive education and be part of the movement for change. Together, we can close the gap, target inequality and build a more equal world!

Location:

Private sector contributions to the Global Disability Agenda through the lever of International Cooperation

Organized by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

The exhibition booth showcases multi-stakeholder project examples in training and employing persons with disabilities (PWDs). The GIZ cooperates with companies and TVET institutions in GIZ partner countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana and Vietnams in sectors like Textiles, Mobility, Digital Services. The booth highlights international cooperation activities and inclusion champions supporting rights and inclusion for PWDs that contribute to systemic change in alignment with international laws and sustainable development goals.

Location:

Youth-led Initiatives for Empowering Young People with Disabilities to Enjoy their Political and Social rights

Organized by: Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN)

BYAN is showcasing a diverse range of accessible IEC materials in our exhibition, which we have been using to promote inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the political participation of persons with disabilities. Our display includes Easy-to-Read CSE Flipcharts, Picture Exchange Communication (PEC) materials, and Tactile Models related to Reproductive Health and Family Planning. Visitors can also explore SRHR-related Nepali Sign Language videos and the accessible mobile application “Hami” for SRHR. Additionally, we are presenting our best practices through posters and videos.

Location:

Inclusion is a Right: Speech Therapy & Economic Empowerment for Special Needs Children in Ghana

Organized by: Affinity Access International (AAI)

Experience an exclusive 3D preview of Kumasi’s Therapy & Vocational Hub, a catalyst for nationwide change. Learn how this facility will:
• Train 100 rural therapists annually to staff mobile units reaching remote areas.
• Deliver speech therapy and vocational programs to 100,000 rural and urban special needs children by 2035.
• Partner with KNUST to provide practical training for graduate students aspiring to be Speech-Language Pathologists
Join us in ensuring no child’s potential is limited by geography.

Location:

Inclusion Next Generation: Ghanaian and German Highschool Cooperation promotes implementation of Inclusive Design and Barrier free Systems

Organized by: Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Frankfurt UAS), U!REKA European University in cooperation with the KWAME Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Kumasi, Ghana

Ghanaian and German University Cooperation promotes implementation of Inclusive Design and Barrier free Systems The interdisciplinary master’s programme ‘Inclusive Design’ at Frankfurt UAS and the ‘College of Art and Built Environment’ at KNUST have been collaborating for many years. Since 2011, the Ghanaian and German teachers and students have been working together to develop and research inclusive solutions for the implementation of inclusive design and barrier-free systems. The aim is to design liveable environments that take equal account of spatial, technical and social aspects. Concretely, a first joint Guideline was published for Ghanaian vocational institutions in 2022: ‘Inclusive Architectural Design Concepts and Strategies for Technical Vocational Education Training’. As part of the GDS, best-practice examples of the different activities of our international university cooperation, the respective study programmes of the two universities involved and the Guideline will be presented as a contribution to the obligation to implement Inclusion. You can look forward to more information, documentation and possible dialogue at the booth.

Location:

Restoring Hope: Jordan’s Initiative to Support Amputees

Organized by: Restoring Hope Society

Restoring Hope Society’s exhibition showcases the prosthetic technology used in its areas of operations. The prostheses are developed by UK-based companies Koalaa (upper limbs) and Amparo (lower limbs), and are currently being used to treat amputees in Gaza, who are estimated to number over 16,000. Visit the exhibition to find out how you can contribute to supporting amputees in Gaza.

Location:

A10

Weaving Intersectional Inclusion: Innovative & Collaborative Tools for Economic and Equitable inclusion in Pakistan’s community and workplaces

Organized by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Our exhibition showcases innovative efforts to promote diversity and disability inclusion across workplaces, education, and healthcare in Pakistan. Through GIZ-WE and the Employers Federation, the Pakistan Business and Disability Network (PBDN) drives job fairs, policy dialogues, and employer sensitization. GIZ’s PST and GPI projects provide e-learning to help businesses adopt inclusive practices, while success stories from Soorty Textiles, Intermarket Knit, and Deaf Reach demonstrate inclusive hiring in action. GIZ-EHS further strengthens inclusion by improving access to education and healthcare. Together, these initiatives create equitable opportunities for all!

Location:

A11

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Organized by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

For every citizen, Art. 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the right to vote, to be elected and to be part of public affairs. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, together with its OPD partners who are coming to Berlin from the PR China, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mongolia, Namibia, and Spain are showcasing at the exhibition booth best-practices of political participation on national level and through international cooperation. We want to engage with GDS participants to learn about their experiences, their activities and achievements which allow us to strive together for better opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage politically.

Location:

A12

Listen Include Respect: Guidelines for Inclusive Participation

Organized by: Down Syndrome International and Inclusion International

This exhibition profiles Listen Include Respect, the first international guidelines for organisations on inclusive participation for people with intellectual disabilities. The guidelines contain information on how to make any organisation inclusive – with guidance on ways to improve communication, provide good support, develop inclusive meetings, consultations and activities, employ people, and foster leadership. Visitors to the exhibition booth can learn about the guidelines, get information on how to apply them in their organisations, and get advice people with intellectual disabilities directly about how to include them in the work of the organisation.

Location:

A13

TBD

Organized by: Include Me TOO

Location:

A14

CREI (Inclusive Education Reference Center) / RJ / BR

Organized by: CREI (Inclusive Education Reference Center) / RJ / BR

The Inclusive Education Reference Center (CREI), inaugurated in April 2024, will train over 20,000 educators in inclusive and innovative teaching. Through accessibility tools, assistive technologies and alternative communication methods, it will promote the participation of people with disabilities. Additionally, it will implement a comprehensive support program for 100 families, integrating SESC and SENAC initiatives and developing a social technology replicable in inclusive public policies. This delegation reinforces Fecomércio RJ and its partner institutions’ commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

Location:

A15

International Disability Alliance Information Booth

Organized by: International Disability Alliance

The International Disability Alliance kiosk will serve as the dedicated hub for OPDs. It will also function as a support point, offering real-time guidance and assistance throughout the Summit. Additionally, the kiosk will feature communication materials showcasing International Disability Alliance’s role as a co-host and its commitment to ensuring OPD voices are meaningfully included in the GDS process.

Location:

Global Disability Inclusion Report – Accelerating Disability Inclusion in a Changing and Diverse World

Organized by: Global Disability Summit 2025

Location:

The Future of Disability Rights is Feminist: Gender on the Agenda at GDS

Organized by: Women Enabled International

As feminists with disabilities and allies, we believe that it is essential that Gender is on the Agenda in disability rights spaces like the Global Disability Summit. This booth will serve as a community space for feminists with disabilities and allies at GDS and as a hub for conversation about rights at the intersection of gender and disability, what it means to be a feminist with disabilities, and how to support feminist disabled leadership. The booth will feature the work of Women Enabled International, other organizations led by feminists with disabilities, and GDS commitment makers whose work prioritizes rights at the intersection of gender and disability.

Location:

Wansolwara Pacific

Organized by: Pacific Islands Forum

The exhibition booth will highlight the strides made in disability inclusion across the 18 countries of the Pacific. It will feature a range of multimedia and printed materials to engage visitors and raise awareness about the initiatives and achievements in promoting an inclusive society. The booth will be designed to be accessible and welcoming to all visitors, including those with disabilities.

Location:

(Withdrew)

Organized by: NA

Location:

Target Inequality

Organized by: Sightsavers

Disability rights are human rights — so why can’t millions of people with disabilities access theirs? Visit our exhibition to meet our team and discover how you can take action through our campaigns and programmes to target inequality and build a more equal world. While you’re at our stand, grab a ‘Disability rights are human rights’ badge, pick up the latest edition of Changing Times newspaper —featuring powerful stories from young disability rights activists — and access our flagship Equal World? film. Join us in making change happen!

Location:

Rehabilitation matters: The appeal made by people in conflict-affected areas

Organized by: Humanity and Inclusion – Handicap International

“Rehabilitation Matters” spotlights the transformative impact of rehabilitation and assistive technology on the lives of individuals in conflict-affected regions. The exhibition highlights the intersection of personal resilience and systemic change, revealing how access to rehabilitation builds a foundation for societal participation and inclusion.
The personal stories of women and men with disabilities come together into a unified call to action: the urgent need to scale up rehabilitation services and assistive technology globally, ensuring they are accessible, high quality, and rooted in the principles of rights, inclusion, and dignity.

Location:

VENRO: German NGOs Driving Inclusive International Cooperation

Organized by: VENRO, Association of German Development and Humanitarian Aid Organizations

VENRO’s Disability Inclusion Working Group aims to mainstream disability inclusion in development cooperation and humanitarian aid, both by NGOs and the German Government. At the centre of the working group’s activities is the implementation of the international articles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The group consists of German NGOs working in development and humanitarian aid. We advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Germany’s foreign and development policies and within VENRO’s member organizations.

Location:

Qatar Social Work

Organized by: Qatar Social Work

– Highlighting the efforts of the Qatar Social Work Foundation and its affiliated centers in supporting and empowering persons with disabilities.
– The participation of Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities and Al Noor Center for the Blind to showcase initiatives and specialized services aimed at enhancing independence and social inclusion for this group.
– Exchanging experiences and enhancing collaboration with international organizations to create an inclusive and supportive environment for communities around the world.

Location:

Building a Resilient Workforce: Career Success and Opportunity for All

Organized by: America – Mideast Educational and Training Services (Amideast) – Jordan

Amideast’s exhibition booth highlights its commitment to education for all and workforce integration. Showcasing its various programs, initiatives and strategic partnership approach, the booth demonstrates how educational pathways and market-driven skills training create sustainable employment opportunities for all.

Location:

B10

Inclusive Development in Action

Organized by: CBM Christian Blind Mission

At our booth, we present our Inclusive Participation Toolbox, a web-based tool designed to make it easier for stakeholders in international cooperation to achieve meaningful participation of persons with disabilities. It includes background knowledge, practical advice and ready-to-use material. Visitors can explore the Toolbox live and take a little quiz about it. Additionally, we show how CBM promotes the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities through examples of our work in the Global South.

Location:

B11

Resilience for All: Putting Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction into Practice

Organized by: The Disability inclusive DRR Network (DiDRRN)

The Exhibition Booth will showcase and foster joint learning on innovative practices in disability-inclusive humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action through case studies, toolkits, research findings, and multimedia displays. The resources (developed by the DiDRRN and its member organisations) address issues such as inclusive needs assessments, disability-disaggregated data, Early Warning 4 All, inclusive anticipatory action, multi-stakeholder collaboration and leadership of persons with disabilities, equipping stakeholders with practical ways to embed disability inclusion in Humanitarian, DRR and climate action strategies worldwide.

Location:

B12

PurpleSpace

Organized by: PurpleSpace

Visit our booth to talk about how your organisation can network with a global community of disability Employee Resource Group (ERG)/Network leaders, allies and champions to improve business performance and learn directly from your employees with disabilities. We call it ‘building disability confidence from the inside out’ and we have generated a global movement for positive cultural change.

Location:

B13

Inklusion von Anfang an – Mission Inklusion!

Organized by: Aktion Mensch e.V.

The Aktion Mensch organization has a mission to foster dialogue around ideas and opportunities for promoting inclusion in society. To achieve this, it is essential to have good examples and strong networks. Therefore the organization focuses on cooperation and collaboration between civil society, the business sector, and government agencies just as on the participation of people with disabilities in shaping the services and offerings.

Location:

B14

Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI)

Organized by: Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI)

The TUMI Booth is an interactive space showcasing solutions for sustainable and inclusive mobility. It features a VR experience that allows visitors to step into the shoes of different transport users across three continents, highlighting mobility challenges from diverse perspectives. Designed as a platform for engagement, the booth fosters discussions on accessibility, equity, and the future of urban mobility.

Location:

B15

Zero Project: Solutions for a world with zero barriers

Organized by: Zero Project

At the booth the Zero Project showcases key initiatives advancing innovation, accessibility, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The Zero Project AI Assistant: Partnership Tool enhances global cooperation by leveraging disability-inclusive solutions. The Scale-Ups Report highlights 25 scalable practices, with some innovators present at the booth. The Champions of Inclusive Spaces Report promotes Universal Design in public spaces and complements the Zero Project’s fireside chat. Lastly, the Zero Project Call for Nominations 2026 (#ZeroCall26) fosters global collaboration in identifying and scaling innovative solutions for Accessibility, ICT, and Crisis Response.

Location:

IEH

Inclusive Educational Hub

Organized by: Perkins, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Google, World Vision, International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the GLAD Inclusive Education Working Group.

Inclusive education sits at the foundation of realizing a broader disability inclusion agenda around the world. That’s why Perkins, BMZ, Google, and World Vision, with support from the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the GLAD Inclusive Education Working Group, are joining forces to host The Inclusive Education Hub within the Exhibition Hall of the Global Disability Summit. Set up like an inclusive classroom, the Hub will feature two days of programming showcasing practical examples and diverse perspectives on how quality and accessible learning is driving equity in education and transforming the lives of children with disabilities.

Location:

AT exhibition

Assistive Technology: ‘Transforming Today and creATing futures’

An exhibition showcasing the transformative power of assistive technology (AT) called ‘Assistive Technology: Transforming today and creATing futures’ will be organized during the Global Disability Summit on 2-3 April 2025, and the Civil Society Forum on 1 April 2025. There continues to be limited understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, knowledge of assistive technology and the progress made by the AT sector. The exhibition will highlight the role of AT as one key element to tackle such challenges and the transformative impact AT can have on those who need it. Moreover, there is a growing need and usefulness for AT in the general population as well. However, there is a stark difference between the availability of AT in high income and low/middle income countries, even as there are more and more promising stories of success in these countries. The ‘Assistive Technology: Transforming today and creATing futures’ exhibition will share stories of innovation and inspiration that showcase solutions to overcome challenges of accessibility, availability and affordability. The exhibition, curated by ATscale, the global alliance for assistive technology, will be representing AT users, suppliers, distributors, non-profits, innovators from different regions of the world to showcase the transformative power of AT.

3rd April, 2025

Time:

08:00 AM – 12:00 PM

2 h 40’

Location:

Hall 6

Registration

Registration is possible in English, German, Arabic and Sign Language.
Accessible counters will be provided.

Exhibition Space

All day

Location:

Hall 3

Catering

All day

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Various areas to self-cater, accessible counters and distribution, service staff.

Relaxation + Meeting Area

All day

Location:

Hall 4.1, 8, 1^st floor (tbc)

Two Quiet Rooms available

Networking

All day

Location:

Hall 8

Screen Program

All day

Location:

Hall 3, 6, 7, 8

Screens projecting the daily program information.

Time:

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

60’

Location:

Halls 1.2, 4.2, 7.2, 7.3

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

No equity without investment: The urgent need for disability-inclusive financing

Persons with disabilities make up over 16 % of the global population – about 1.3 billion people – yet remain underrepresented in the discourse around global development and financing frameworks. Despite some progress, historical underinvestment persists, and without disability-inclusive financing, sustainable disability-inclusive development is impossible.

The global financing gap for sustainable development now stands at USD 4 trillion (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/OECD 2025), an increase of over 50 % since pre-pandemic estimates, and is projected to increase to USD 6,4 trillion in 2030. Many developing countries face rising debt burdens, economic instability, and worsening inequalities, yet disability remains largely sidelined in financing discussions.

Article 32 of the Covention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities/CRPD) underscores the need for inclusive international cooperation, while governments must commit the “maximum available resources” to fulfil disability rights at the national level. This requires integrating disability into budgets, policies, and programs to ensure no one is left behind.

Moderators

Katie Gallus

International Moderator and Journalist
Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Naima Ben Yahia

Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Morocco
Haoliang Xu

United Nations Under-Secretary-General und UNDP Associate Administrator
Sally-Anne Henfry

Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia
Christiane Laibach

Member of the Executive Board, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau
Ola Abualghaib

Director, UN Global Disability Fund
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance

Time:

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

Leading the Way: Featuring the Most Impactful Commitments for Disability Inclusion in Development Cooperation

Over the years, many commitments on disability inclusion have been made in the framework of the Global Disability Summits (GDS) commitment mechanism – but what makes a commitment truly impactful? The most effective commitments are those that are actionable, well-resourced, and have a clear plan for implementation.

This session will highlight a range of commitments that have been pledged in the run-up of the GDS 2025 and demonstrate these qualities – examples of real, transformative action from governments, international organizations, organisations of persons with disabilities, and foundations that push for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities globally.

By sharing these examples, we aim to inspire stronger collaboration, scale up efforts, and drive meaningful progress. This is also an opportunity to reflect on achievements, learn from different approaches, and look ahead to ambitious, renewed commitments for GDS 2025.

Moderators

Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Svenja Schulze

Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
H.E. Azmi Mahafzah

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Jordan
H.E. Laïd Rebiga

Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders, Algeria
Sir Stephen Timms

Minister of State, Department of Work and Pension and Department of Education, United Kingdom
Yasmine Sherif

Executive Director, Education Cannot Wait
Robin Tim Weis

Director, International Affairs, Zero Project
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance
Omar Abdi

Deputy Executive Director, United Nations International Children’s Fund
Sally-Anne Henfry

Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia
David Bainbridge

Executive Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion
Luis Jimenez McInnis

Representative, Inter-American Development Bank
Katy Talikowska

CEO, Valuable 500

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

12:30 PM – 13:00 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

13:00 PM – 14:00 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

From Risk Reduction to Recovery: Disability-Inclusive Practices for Disasters and Conflicts

Persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by disasters and armed conflicts due to physical, social, and systemic barriers. This session will explore how disability-inclusive practices can be integrated into disaster risk management and response as well as in conflict settings and peacebuilding efforts.

It will highlight the role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in decision-making processes, including small and local organizations, and focus on the importance of coordination, including inter-agency collaboration in humanitarian sectors in disaster and conflict settings.

Specific emphasis will be placed on advancing protection and strengthening resilience of persons with disabilities in conflict and disaster and recovery and resilience strengthening settings.

Moderators

Katie Gallus

International Moderator and Journalist
Muhannad Alazzeh

Secretary General, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan

Speakers

Jagan Chapagain

Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Yasmine Sherif

Executive Director, Education Cannot Wait
Hans Das

Deputy Director-General, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, European Commission
Henry Murillo Salazar

Coordinator, National Network of Networks of Persons with Disabilities
Edward Hall

Coordinator, Restoring Hope Society

Location:

Hall 1.2

Building connections, bridging the digital divide: an inclusive and accessible digital future for all persons with disabilities

The expansion of the internet and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) presents both opportunities and challenges for persons with disabilities. While these technologies have the potential to equalize opportunities, significant barriers persist in areas such as education, health, employment, and political participation.

Despite progress in policy and frameworks, the disability digital divide remains a major challenge. In this session, we will explore the role of new and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in promoting inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

We will reflect on lessons learned, discuss the opportunities and challenges of digital innovation, and identify key areas that require attention to ensure digital equity for all.

The session will also explore how governments, the private sector, and civil society can work together to bridge the disability digital divide and ensure that emerging technologies are accessible, affordable, and usable worldwide.

Moderators

Caroline Casey

Moderator

Speakers

H.E. Alexei Buzu

Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Modova
Inmaculada Placencia Porrero

Senior Expert on Disability, European Commission
Pradeep Sinha

Chairperson, Society for the Empowerment of the Deafblind of India
Christopher Patnoe

Head of Europe, Middle East, Africa – Accessibility and Disability Innovation, Google
Sachin Dev Pavithran

Executive Director of the U.S. Access Board
Martin Essl

Founder, Zero Project and Essl Foundation
Esther Nagetey

Youth Fellow, International Disability Alliance

Location:

Halls 4.2, 7.2

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Location:

Hall 7.3

Disability Data Forum

The Disability Data Forum will spotlight investments and efforts realized or required to strengthen data on persons with disabilities in global, regional and country data systems in terms of capacity building, data production, use and impact. The Data Forum includes three consecutive side event sessions.

For more details of each session, please check the Side Events tab

Organized by: International Disability Alliance; GIZ; Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan; World Bank; UNICEF; Washington Group on Disability Statistics; Global Disability Fund; CBM; Center for Inclusive Policy; Microsoft; Disability Data Initiative; Fordham University

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

14:00 PM – 14:30 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

14:30 PM – 15:30 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 7

Participation and representation in public life and decision making  

Participation is the cornerstone of democracy, embodying the vital tenets of empowerment, accountability, and social inclusion. When persons with disabilities engage meaningfully in political and public life, the outcome is transformative, allowing their views and their expertise to be recognized, and their rights enforced.

Despite the solid grounding provided by the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (CRPD)—particularly Articles 4(3), 29, and 33—persistent gaps in political participation reflect the hurdles that remain, including the lack of accessibility and reasonable accommodation. In the case of marginalized groups within the disability community, the lack of recognition of their legal capacity poses further challenges to their right to vote or run for office.

In response to these challenges, a multifaceted approach is necessary. It is important to recognize the political engagement does not happen in isolation. It is an integral part of the larger civic and social engagement of persons with disabilities, Systemic barriers that keep persons with disabilities from social interactions, including the lack of information, accessibility, acceptance, etc., also keep them away from political life.

The first step is to drive high-level advocacy and reform by eliminating discriminatory legal frameworks and introducing inclusive electoral policies that guarantee the equal political rights of persons with disabilities. Accessibility including access to information must be ensured for persons with disabilities to be able to make informed choices.

Equally important is the urgent need to secure stable and meaningful funding for Organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) so that they can not only advance the right to participate for all persons with disabilities but are also equipped to fulfil the role of being true representatives of persons with disabilities in decision and policy making.

Moderators

Caroline Casey

Moderator

Speakers

Oh Joon

Professor, United Nations studies and former ambassador of the Republic of Korea
Kerstin Griese

Parliamentary State Secretary , Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Germany
Natalia Sofía Guala Beathyate

Deputy Director of International Relations, Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles
Pratima Gurung

President, National Indigenous Disabled Women Asociation, Nepal
Hilda Macheso

Association of Persons with Albinism
Sebastien Peytavie

Member of the French National Assembly

Location:

Hall 1.2

The Road to Inclusive Climate Action: From Berlin to Belém and Beyond

The effects of climate change have a disproportionate impact on the lives, health, well-being and livelihoods of persons with disabilities. They are, for example, affected by higher mortality and morbidity rates during extreme weather events due to a range of challenges, including barriers in accessibility, information, and meaningful participation.

Despite this, persons with disabilities have not been adequately included in the climate change discourse. In September 2024, eight disability organizations at the regional and global level sent a formal letter to the members of the Paris Agreement, criticizing the exclusion of the disability movement from the United Nations climate negotiations and calling for the creation of an official constituency of persons with disabilities.

Well-designed, inclusive climate action and disaster risk reduction strategies recognize that individuals experience impacts differently, shaped by intersecting dimensions such as disability, gender, age, and socio-economic status.

Adopting an All of Society approach ensures that risks are reduced for the most vulnerable population groups and benefits and burdens are distributed fairly across all community members.

Moderators

Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Melrose Karminty

Minister of Social Welfare, Sierra Leone
Kamal Kishore

Special Representative to the Secretary General and Head of UNDRR
Jürgen Dusel

Federal Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities, Germany
Ruci Senikula

Regional Coordination, Pacific Disability Forum
Kaukab Stewart

Minister for Equalities, Scotland
Ummy Nderiananga

Deputy Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Tanzania

Location:

Halls 4.2, 7.2

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Location:

Hall 7.3

Disability Data Forum

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

15:30 PM – 16:00 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

16:00 PM – 17:00 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 1.2

Unlocking Maximum Available Resources: Inclusive And Innovative Financing To Advance Disability Rights

Ensuring sufficient and effective financing for disability-inclusive development remains a significant challenge. Despite global commitments, resources allocated to disability inclusion are often inadequate, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) frequently find themselves excluded from critical financial decision-making processes.

This plenary session will explore how financial institutions can maximize available resources to foster disability-inclusive development. Additionally, the discussion will explore new and innovative financing models, including engagement from the private sector and philanthropic contributions.

This event will elevate OPD perspectives, highlighting the power imbalances that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of disability-inclusive financing and development.

Moderators

Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.E. Savia N’Taha

Minister of Social Affairs, Mauritania
Gérardine Mukeshimana

Vice President, International Fund for Agricultural Development
Emmanuel B. Nyirinkindi

Vice President, Cross-Cutting Solutions, International Finance Corporation
Mary Keogh

Chair, International Disability and Development Consortium
Juan Pablo Salazar Salamanca

Inclusion coordinator, Development Bank of Latin America and the Carribean
David Hall

Social Sustainability Director, Lloyds Banking Group

Location:

Halls 4.2, 7.2

Side Events

For more details, please check the Side Events tab

Location:

Halls 7.3

Disability Data Forum

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

17:00 PM – 17:15 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

17:15 PM – 18:45 PM

90’

Location:

Hall 7

Joint Final: The Amman-Berlin Declaration for Global Disability Inclusion

The joint finale is the opportunity to wrap-up the discussions held at GDS 2025, and to create momentum for the aftermath of the summit and future GDSs´.

It is worth staying till the very moment, as we will present the central outcome document of GDS25: the Amman-Berlin Declaration for Global Disability Inclusion.

We will learn who is the Host of the next GDS, and jointly celebrate the GDS with different cultural acts, including a singer, a deaf-performer and an orchestra.

Moderators

Caroline Casey

Moderator
Cara E Yar Khan

Special Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Speakers

H.R.H. Prince Mired Bin Ra’ad Al hussein

President, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan
H.E. Svenja Schulze

Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
H.E. Melrose Karminty

Minister of Social Welfare, Sierra Leone
H.E. Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi

Minister of Social Development and Family, Qatar
Heba Hagrass

UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance
Latoa Halatau-Talagi

Second Vice President, International Disability Alliance
Ruth Mkutumula

Executive Director, Disabled Women in Africa

Brave New World – GDS Club Night

– Public festival-like club event on 4 floors
– Music, fashion and arts
– Best-practice approach in regards to inclusion

20:00 PM – 05:00 AM

Location: Ritter Butzke (Ritterstrasse 24-27, Berlin)

Link of the event: https://brave-new-world.berlin/

Time:

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

60’

Location:

Hall 1.2

Side Event 12

Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Supporting Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities

Organized by: League of Arab States, International Disability Alliance (IDA), Arab Organization for persons with Disabilities (AOPD), Executive Bureau – Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in GCC (GCCLSA)

Speakers

H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al-Alawi

Minister of Social Development, Kingdom of Bahrain
H.E. Muhammad bin Hassan Al-Obaidly

General Director, Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs GCC
H.E. Wafa Abu Bakr Al-Kilani

Minister of Social Affairs, Libya
H.E. Wafa Bani Mustafa

Minister of Social Development, Jordan
H.E. Łukasz Krasoń

State Secretary, Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, Government Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities, Poland
H.E. Issam Lahmar

Minister of Social Affairs, Tunisia
H.E. Samah Hamad

Minister of Social Development, Palestinian Territories
H.E. Alessandra Locatelli

Minister for Disabilities, Italy
H.E. Svenja Schulze

Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
H.E. Maya Morsy

Minister of Social Solidarity, Egypt
H.E. Naima Ben Yahia

Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Morocco
Annette Von Kalckreuth

Head of the Directorate, General for Participation of Persons with Disabilities, Social Compensation and Social Assistance, Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Germany
Haifa Abu Ghazaleh

Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Social Affairs Sector, League of Arab States
Jahda Abou Khalil

General Director, Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities
Tarek el Nabulsi

Director, Development and Social Policies Dept., League of Arab States
Heba Hagrass

UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Nawaf Kabbara

Chair and President, International Disability Alliance
Iman Karim

General Supervisor, National Council for People with Disabilities

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 13

Addressing Stigma, Discrimination and Violence Against Women with Disabilities

Organized by: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Forum on the Leadership of Women with Disabilities (GFLWD), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Women Enabled International (WEI), Government of France, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), Jordan

Speakers

Abia Akram

CEO, National Forum of Women with Disabilities, Pakistan
Monjurul Kabir

Global Adviser and Team Leader for Gender, Disability Inclusion and Intersectionality, UN Women
Sofia Minieri

Strategy Manager, Women Enabled international
Alia H. Zureikat

Adviser to the President at Jordan’s Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Ian McFarlane

Director, Division of External Relations, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 14

Companies as Allies for OPDs and Governments to Foster Inclusive Employment

Organized by: UnternehmensForum, ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN)

Speakers

Sherry Bishara

Group Chief People and Corporate Sustainability Officer, Beltone Holding
Jake Epelle

Chief Executive Officer, TAF Africa
Andy Garrett

Workplace Adjustments and Accessibility Director, GSK
Anke Lenz

Chief Inclusion Officer and Digital Accessibility Lead, Accenture
Jürgen Menze

Technical Specialist, Disability Inclusion, International Labour Organisation
Nadine Schönwald

Board Member, UnternehmensForum
Susan Scott-Parker

Founder, Business Disability International

Location:

Hall 7.3

Side Event 15

Political participation: an instrument of empowerment for persons with disabilities

Organized by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), Jordan, Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired; Christoffel-Blindenmission

Speakers

Muhannad Alazzeh

Secretary General, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan
Bayarbaatar Angarag

Participant, KAS Community Advocacy Program for Youth with Disabilities in Mongolia
Maria del Mar Galceran Gadea

Member of the Spanish Regional Parliament, Corts Valencianes (Partido Popular)
Hermann Gröhe

Vice-Chairman, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, former German Minister of Health
Michael Herbst

Head of Political Affairs, CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission
Moses Nghipandulwa

Director, Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired
Wilfried Oellers

Member of the German Bundestag, Spokesperson of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on inclusion

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

60’

Location:

Hall 1.2

Side Event 16

How self-advocates successfully influence policies

Organized by: Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe, Inclusion Europe, Inclusion International

Speakers

Torsten Berges

Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe
Soufiane El Amrani

Inclusion Europe
Marie Farah

Lebanon Association of Self-Advocacy
Claudia Franke

Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe
Dirk Michalek

Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe
Shiva Shrestha

Inclusion International

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 17

Victim Assistance in Disability Rights Context

Organized by: The Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

Speakers

Firoz Alizada

Implementation Support Officer, Implementation Support Unit (ISU) Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Mercy Maruva Dinha

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Zimbabwe
Antony Duttine

Technical Lead (Rehabilitation), World Health Organization (WHO)
Suela Lala

Executive Director, Together Foundation/ Fondacioni “Se Bashku”, Albania
Michael Mwendwa

Disability Inclusion Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Varuni Muthukumarana

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany, Member of the Committee on Victim of the Assistance of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Elisabeth Riederer

Deputy Head of Mission of Austria to Germany, Member of the Committee on Victim of the Assistance of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Juan Carlos Ruan

Director, Implementation Support Unit (ISU) Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

Location:

Hall 7.3

Side Event 18

“Youth Leadership Now”: A call to action on the meaningful engagement of youth with disabilities

Organized by: Sightsavers (Equal World campaign), and International Disability Alliance (Youth Committee), UNICEF.

Speakers

Esther Nagetey

Youth Fellow, International Disability Alliance
Jiwan Acharya

Project Officer, Blind Youth Association Nepal
James Casserly

Equal World Youth Champion, Sightsavers
Yusra Gilani

Head, Youth with Disabilities Hub
Ida Hansson

Chairperson, The Swedish Organisation for Hard of Hearing Young People
Gopal Mitra

Global Lead, Children with Disabilities, UNICEF
Tapiwa Mutsikira

Equal World Youth Champion, Sightsavers
Antonio Palma Lopez

Member, RIADIS

Main session about commitments (Hall 7)

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

11:30 AM – 13:00 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

13:00 PM – 14:00 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 19

How can Asia and the Pacific’s banking sector advance the economic inclusion of people with disabilities? A case study from Asian Development Bank (ADB) & Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub)

Organized by: Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub)

Speakers

Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig

Group Head Human Resources Management Group, National Bank of Pakistan
Maka Bochorishvili

ESG Coordinator, TBC Bank
Leah Gutierrez

Director General, Sector Department 3, Asian Development Bank
Muhammad Atif Sheikh

Executive Director, Special Talent Exchange Program, Pakistan
Can Sutken

Principal Investment Specialist, Trade and Supply Chain Division, Asian Development Bank
Pollyanna Wardrop

Senior Researcher, Financial Inclusion, Global Disability Innovation Hub

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 20

Ending the institutionalisation of children and adults with disabilities: sharing experiences

Organized by: Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Inclusion International

Speakers

H.E. Wafa Bani Mustafa

Minister of Social Development, Jordan
Sir Stephen Timms

Minister of State, Department of Work and Pension and Department of Education, United Kingdom
Madiha Al-Jazi

Regional Inclusion Technical Specialist, Humanity and Inclusion
Maribel Cáceres

Vice President, Plena Inclusion
Dumitrita Cropivnitchi

Moldova children’s rights advocate
Connie Laurin-Bowie

Executive Director, Inclusion International
Nancy Nteere

Network Manager, Able Child Africa
Milan Sverepa

Director, Inclusion Europe
Sue Swenson

President, Inclusion International

Location:

Hall 7.3

Disability Data Forum: Harnessing local narratives and diverse data sources

This session will spotlight country level efforts for disability disaggregated data, with the aim to discuss the diversity and richness of data sources including citizen-led data, and participatory data collection, analysis, and use.

Speakers

Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven

Managing Director, GIZ
Steve Mboko Ibara

Director General of the National Institute of Statistics, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Pamela Molina

Executive Director, World Federation of the Deaf
Sally Nduta

United Disabled Persons of Kenya
Sann Ratana

Director, Department of Disability Welfare for People with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Cambodia
Hercules Paradiang

Director, CBM Global Philippines

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

14:00 PM – 14:30 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

14:30 PM – 15:30 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 21

Championing the Localization of the UNCRPD: Local and Regional Government’s Commit to Change

Organized by: United Cities and Local Governments, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Speakers

Mohammad Abdelkarim Abed Almhairat

Municipal Councillor of Amman
Ola Abualghaib

Director, UN Global Disability Fund
Federico Batista Poitier

Manager of Policies & Programs on Accessibility, UCLG
Patricia Morla

Vice President of the Municipal Court of Auditors of Villa Carlos Paz
Wadri Sam Nyakua

Mayor of Arua
Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o

Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya
Claudia Ribosa Pérez

Programs Officer, UCLG
Kottamuri Satish

Deputy Mayor of Viskhapanatanam
Michelle van Raalte

Senior Project Manager, VNG International

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 22

Inclusion in Action: The Global Coalition for Inclusive Education through Sport

Organized by: Special Olympics International, Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Speakers

H.E. Clifton Grima

Minister of Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, The Republic of Malta
H.E. Luis Fernando Ramírez

Minister of Education, Republic of Paraguay
Gilmour Borg

Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Special Olympics Malta Athlete
David Evangelista

President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia
Jacqueline Jodl

Chief of Global Youth Engagement, Special Olympics International
Yasmine Sherif

Executive Director, Education Cannot Wait

Location:

Hall 7.3

Disability Data Forum: Investments and Partnerships to Strengthen Data Systems

This session brings together different type of data stakeholders to highlight pathways to strengthening inclusive data systems. Presenters will showcase case studies of investments in data systems and resources to collate and share disability disaggregated data at a global level including the Centre of Excellent on Data for Children with Disabilities and two new Disability Statistics Databases by the Disability Data Initiative.

Speakers

Charles Abani

UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana
Elizabeth Lockwood

Centre of Excellence on Data for Children with Disabilities
Sophie Mitra

Disability Data Initiative, Fordham University
Diane Richler

International Disability Alliance
Laisa Vereti

Pacific Disability Forum
Elsie Mehoba

Statistics for Development Division of the Pacific Community (SPC)

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

15:30 PM – 16:00 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Time:

16:00 PM – 17:00 PM

60’

Location:

Hall 4.2

Side Event 23

Disability Inclusive Urban Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction

Organized by: UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Culture Centre of the Deaf of Mongolia

Speakers

Ola Abualghaib

Director, UN Global Disability Fund
Samuel Ganio Aquino

Head, Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), City of Baguio, Philippines
Dulamsuren Jigjid

Executive Director, Culture Centre of the Deaf, Mongolia
Kamal Kishore

Special Representative to the Secretary General and Head of UNDRR
Rylin Rodgers

Disability Policy Director, Microsoft Accessibility
Marcie Roth

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, World Institute on Disability
Kaukab Stewart

Minister for Equalities, Scotland

Location:

Hall 7.2

Side Event 24

Launching the Business & Disability Partnership Agenda for Action

Organized by: Business Disability International

Speakers

Neil Milliken

Vice President, Global Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion ATOS, outgoing chair ILO Global Business & Disability Network
Simon Minty

Director, Sminty Ltd
Eric Ngondi

Director, United Disabled Persons of Kenya
Susan Scott-Parker

Founder, Business Disability International

Location:

Hall 7.3

Disability Data Forum: National commitments and global action on disability data

The session will celebrate data centered commitments made by country governments, and open a dialogue on global initiatives to support efforts on disability disaggregated data by multilateral organizations and the private sector. Presenters will showcase the World Bank’s new Disability Data Hub.

Speakers

H.E. Azmi Mahafzah

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Jordan
Robin Mearns

Global Director for Social Development, World Bank
Gopal Mitra

Global Lead, Children with Disabilities, UNICEF
Rylin Rodgers

Disability Policy Director, Microsoft Accessibility
Tolhas Damanik

Executive Director, Wahana Inklusif Indonesia

Break

·       Catering
·       Exhibition Space
·       Networking

17:00 PM – 17:15 PM

Location:

Hall 3, 8

Joint Final: The Amman-Berlin Declaration

17:15 PM – 18:45 PM
Hall 7

Brave New World – GDS Club Night

Time:

9:00 – 9:30

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Amplifying the voices of children with disabilities through self-advocacy and research

Save the Children & UNICEF Innocenti

Speakers

Gavin Wood

Disability Inclusion Research Manager, UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight
Martina Orsander

Global Lead Disability Inclusion, Save the Children International
Jakeel D. Abdullah

Guyer Fellow, Save the Children US

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Ushering a movement towards the Purple Economy

EnAble India

Speakers

Dipesh Sutariya

Chairman and Managing Director, EnAble India
Sayomdeb Mukherjee ‘Den’

Head of International projects, EnAble India

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

Accessibility in the Built Environment: A Canadian Innovation

Rick Hansen Foundation

Speakers

Kevin Ng

Director of Technical and Program Content, Rick Hansen Foundation

Time:

10:30 – 11:00

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Launch of the Global Disability Inclusion Report

GDS co-hosts: Germany, Jordan, IDA

Moderators

Dominique Schlupkothen

Director Communicy Based Inclusive Development, CBM

Speakers

Nawaf Kabbara

Chair and President, International Disability Alliance
Hendrik Denker

Senior Policy Officer Human Rights, Disability Inclusion, Media, BMZ
Alexandre Cote

GDIR coordinator, UNICEF

Breaks & Main sessions

10:00 am – 13:00 pm

Time:

13:00 – 13:30

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Champions of Inclusive Spaces – Report by the Zero Project

Zero Project

Speakers

Michael Fembek

Member of the Board of the Essl Foundation, and CEO of the Zero Project

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Amplifying the Voices of Indigenous Person and Women with Disabilities in Climate Justice Initiatives

National Indigenous Disabled Women Association -Nepal (NIDWAN), Indigenous Person with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN), Minority Rights International

Speakers

Pratima Gurung

President, National Indigenous Disabled Women Asociation, Nepal
Lauren Avery

Disability Project Coordinator, Minority Rights Group International
Birgitta Weibahr

Senior Policy Specialist, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

Lancet Commission on Disability and Global Health – A consultation

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Speakers

Hannah Kuper

Co-chair of the Lancet Commission, LSHTM
José Maria Viera

Executive Director, International Disability Alliance

Break

14:00 pm – 14:30 pm

Time:

14:30 – 15:00

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Bridging the Gaps: Embracing Inclusivity for Visitors with Disabilities at The Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum

Speakers

Yosha Alamri

Director of Technical affairs, The Jordan Museum

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Ensuring Disability Inclusion at Leading AI Conferences globally

Zero Project & Microsoft

Speakers

Michael Fembek

Member of the Board of the Essl Foundation, and CEO of the Zero Project
Rylin Rodgers

Disability Policy Director, Microsoft Accessibility

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 3

Role of regional and global coalitions in ensuring that the process of ending institutionalization of persons with disabilities is led by survivors and their experiences

Disability Rights International & Global Coalition on Deinstitutionalisation

Speakers

Dragana Ciric Milovanovic

Inclusive Development Advisor, Disability Rights International
Jarrod Clyne

Deputy Executive Director, International Disability Alliance
Robinah Alambuya

President, TCI, Triumph, Uganda

Break

15:30 pm – 16:00 pm

Time:

16:00 – 16:30

30’

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 1

Digital Literacy & Decent Work through disability-inclusive development

Rehabilitation International Korea, KOICA

Speakers

Miyeon Kim

Chair of Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Reena Lee

Director General, RI Korea
Inmaculada Placencia Porrero

Senior Expert on Disability, European Commission
Stefan Tromel

Senior Disability Specialist, International Labour Organization

Location:

Fireside Chat Area 2

Accessible MENA: Launch Event for GIZ-Initiative on Digital Inclusion

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Speakers

Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven

Managing Director, GIZ
Neil Milliken

Vice President, Global Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion ATOS, outgoing chair ILO Global Business & Disability Network
Muhannad Alazzeh

Secretary General, Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan
Sabreen Al Dwaib

Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Country Representative Eastern Mediterranean
Kristian Lempa

GIZ, Head of Division, Global Policy, Governance, Cities

Joint Final: The Amman -Berlin Declaration

17:15 pm – 18:45 pm

Time:

All Day – Hall 3

8:30 am – 17:30 pm’

Location:

Co-Host Jordan

A Barrier-Free Jordan

Location:

Visit Berlin

visitBerlin

Location:

UN Global Disability Fund (UN GDF)

Location:

Global Disability Innovation Hub: accelerating ideas into impact for a more just world

Location:

Accessibility 2030 Pavilion: Collaborative Pathways to Inclusive Cities

Organized by: Global Disability Innovation Hub, UNHabitat, UN Global Disability Fund (UN GDF), World Blind Union (WBU)

At this GDS booth, GDI Hub will lead the Accessibility 2030 initiative in partnership with the UK AID funded AT2030 programme, the Global Disability Fund, UNHabitat and World Blind Union. These partnerships ensure that a diversity of voices and expertise is showcased, emphasizing the power of collective action. Together, the partners will present projects and tools that advance accessibility in cities. The exhibition is a continuation of the Accessibility 2030 initiative, where we brought together 15 partners at World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt in November. The booth will feature a collaborative showcase of innovations, case studies, and tools aimed at addressing urban accessibility challenges. The content will be tailored to engage visitors, fostering dialogue on how we can work together to make our cities more inclusive.

Location:

Inclusive Futures: This is what inclusion looks like

Organized by: Inclusive Futures

In the five countries where we work, there are now more children with disabilities learning at school, more entrepreneurs with disabilities earning a living, and more people with accessing the health care they need, and living their lives free from discrimination. This is what inclusion looks like. Visit our booth to connect with our consortium and OPD partners, explore key insights from our programme such as the six principles for inclusive development, and access memorable stories with our collection of postcards and videos. You can also pledge your support to future generations by signing our open letter on inclusive education and be part of the movement for change. Together, we can close the gap, target inequality and build a more equal world!

Location:

Private sector contributions to the Global Disability Agenda through the lever of International Cooperation

Location:

Youth-led Initiatives for Empowering Young People with Disabilities to Enjoy their Political and Social rights

Location:

Inclusion is a Right: Speech Therapy & Economic Empowerment for Special Needs Children in Ghana

Location:

Inclusion Next Generation:
Ghanaian and German Highschool Cooperation promotes implementation of Inclusive Design and Barrier free Systems

Location:

Restoring Hope: Jordan’s Initiative to Support Amputees

Location:

A10

Weaving Intersectional Inclusion: Innovative & Collaborative Tools for Economic and Equitable inclusion in Pakistan’s community and workplaces

Location:

A11

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Location:

A12

Listen Include Respect: Guidelines for Inclusive Participation

Location:

A13

TBD

Organized by: Include Me TOO

Location:

A14

CREI (Inclusive Education Reference Center) / RJ / BR

Location:

A15

International Disability Alliance Information Booth

Location:

Global Disability Inclusion Report – Accelerating Disability Inclusion in a Changing and Diverse World

Organized by: Global Disability Summit 2025

Location:

The Future of Disability Rights is Feminist: Gender on the Agenda at GDS

Location:

Wansolwara Pacific

Location:

(Withdrew)

Organized by: NA

Location:

Target inequality

Location:

Rehabilitation matters: The appeal made by people in conflict-affected areas

Location:

VENRO: German NGOs Driving Inclusive International Cooperation

Location:

Qatar Social Work

Location:

Building a Resilient Workforce: Career Success and Opportunity for All

Location:

B10

Inclusive Development in Action

Location:

B11

Resilience for All: Putting Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction into Practice

Location:

B12

PurpleSpace

Location:

B13

Inklusion von Anfang an – Mission Inklusion!

Location:

B14

Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI)

Location:

B15

Zero Project: Solutions for a world with zero barriers

Location:

IEH

Inclusive Educational Hub

Location:

AT exhibition