By Dumisani Ndlovu
Berlin, Germany -A wave of impactful commitments promising real change for people with disabilities has been unveiled, marking a pivotal moment in the global disability rights movement. Culminating in a dedicated session, these commitments, diligently gathered over the past two years under the hashtag #CommitToChange, represent a collaborative effort from governments, the private sector, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). These organizations were encouraged to bring forward actionable initiatives.
Among the top commitments are significant pledges from key international players. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is set to launch an Assistive Technology Investment Vehicle through the AT2030 programme, aiming to raise $60 million by 2026. They will also co-chair the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network, fostering global partnerships for disability inclusion. UNICEF has committed to allocating 10% of its annual budget to children with disabilities by 2030, alongside expanding data collection and scaling inclusive education and protection systems across 50 countries.
The International Disability Alliance (IDA) has pledged to strengthen OPDs in over 100 countries to influence policies, launch a leadership program for 80 young persons with disabilities, and partner with the UN Global Disability Fund to advance the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) implementation in 50 countries. The Federal Government of Germany is investing €10 million to create the Resilient and Inclusive Cities Hub, improving accessibility in urban environments; they are also partnering with Jordan to invest €5 million in inclusive education.
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is committed to implementing a National Action Plan to ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in elections by 2028, investing 90 million Jordanian dinars to enhance access to education and healthcare services. The Inter-American Development Bank has pledged that 25% of its public loans will support disability inclusion across all sectors by 2025. Further commitments include CBM Global Disability Inclusion’s promise to increase projects focused on OPD organizational strengthening by 25% by 2027. The Valuable 500 will leverage its network of over 500 partners to accelerate disability inclusion in business, focusing on leadership, reporting, and representation. Finally, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Pakistan commits to establishing a Disability Resource Center, forming an inclusive university alliance in Pakistan, and setting up 10 additional centers regionally by 2026.
All these commitments will be made publicly available on the GDS Commitments Portal for transparency and ongoing monitoring. OPDs will play a crucial role in tracking progress and ensuring accountability, guaranteeing that these promises translate into tangible and measurable change.
Looking ahead, the GDS 2025, co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA) in Berlin from April 1st to 3rd, promises to build on the momentum of previous summits. This summit aims to amplify its impact as it advances the rights and inclusion of all persons with disabilities through international cooperation. Guided by the principle of “Nothing about us without us,” the GDS 2025 places persons with disabilities at the heart of the summit process, prioritizing their voices and views to global leaders.
The co-hosts are dedicated to strengthening OPDs and providing a platform for persons with disabilities to present their priorities and views directly to global leaders in Berlin. The GDS 2025 is a call to action, with Germany, Jordan, and IDA all committed to accelerating global efforts toward disability equality and meaningful engagement of persons with disabilities.
Part of a larger delegation of disability organizations with aligned values and objectives came together in Berlin to craft a cohesive and strategic plan, advancing progress and advocacy for disability rights.
