Global Summit on Disability Rights Can Catalyze Greater Inclusion

The third Global Disability Summit, focusing on the rights of people with disabilities, is taking place today and tomorrow in Berlin. Germany, alongside the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), is hosting the Global Disability Summit (GDS25). Over 3,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend.

Wilfried Oellers, spokesperson for inclusion matters for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, expressed his expectation that the summit will "bring the participation of people with disabilities in our society even more into focus." He emphasized the need to improve participation across all areas of life, from early childhood education, training, and studies to professional inclusion, accessibility in daily life and the digital space, and accessible building and housing.

"Accessibility is a cross-cutting issue for society as a whole, from which the entire population benefits," Oellers stated. Beyond political participation, the summit will also emphasize the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in developing countries. Oellers hopes the summit will "sharpen awareness for the participation of people with disabilities" and promote the convention's implementation in those regions.

While acknowledging progress made in Germany in recent years to enhance inclusion for people with disabilities, Oellers also noted that "there is still much to be done." He expressed hope that the summit, "being held in Germany for the first time, will become a catalyst for greater participation through concretely formulated goals."

He concluded by stressing the importance of not "leaving the most vulnerable behind" amidst global geopolitical tensions, stating that "inclusion begins in people's minds and must always be considered."