What is the Global Disability Summit (GDS)?
The Global Disability Summit (GDS) is a landmark international gathering that brings together governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and organizations of persons with disabilities ( OPDs) to advocate for disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility.
A young man speaking at a conference (Microsoft Designer)
The Global Disability Summit (GDS) is a landmark international gathering that brings together governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to advocate for disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility. The summit provides a platform for stakeholders to make commitments toward improving the lives of persons with disabilities by promoting policies that foster equality, access to services, and socio-economic opportunities.
History of the Global Disability Summit
The first-ever Global Disability Summit was held in 2018 in London, United Kingdom. It was co-hosted by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Government of Kenya, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA). This inaugural summit was a major step in prioritizing disability rights on the global agenda, with world leaders, organizations, and advocates making commitments to implement tangible reforms that would promote inclusivity.
Following the success of the 2018 summit, subsequent summits have been held to track progress, strengthen commitments, and address emerging challenges. The second Global Disability Summit took place in 2022, hosted by the Governments of Norway and Ghana alongside IDA. Each summit builds on previous commitments, encouraging nations to uphold and improve their policies regarding disability inclusion.
The next summit will be held in Berlin, Germany in April 2025. The 2025 summit theme is, “Strengthening Disability Inclusion: Evaluating Commitments and Driving Sustainable Change.”
Why is the Global Disability Summit Important?
The GDS serves as a critical advocacy tool for the disability community by ensuring that disability inclusion remains a key global priority. It achieves this by:
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Encouraging Policy Reforms
The summit compels governments to adopt and implement policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring compliance with international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
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Promoting Economic Empowerment
The GDS advocates for among other things, increased access to decent work and employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, and financial inclusion for persons with disabilities.
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Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion
The summit calls for investments in accessible infrastructure, technology, and public services to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
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Strengthening Disability Leadership and Representation
The event emphasizes the need for persons with disabilities to be involved in decision-making processes at all levels, fostering greater representation in politics, governance, and leadership.
The Impact of the Global Disability Summit on Kenya
Kenya has played a significant role in the Global Disability Summit since its inception. As a co-host of the first summit in 2018, Kenya demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. Over the years, the country has made notable strides in disability inclusion, though challenges remain.
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Legal and Policy Frameworks
Kenya’s parliament recently passed the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, which seeks to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Additionally, the 2010 Constitution explicitly guarantees rights and protections for persons with disabilities, ensuring representation in governance and equal access to opportunities.
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Economic Inclusion
Efforts have been made to enhance economic empowerment through programs such as the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), which reserves a percentage of public procurement for enterprises owned by persons with disabilities. However, more needs to be done to create inclusive employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
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Education and Accessibility
The Kenyan government has made progress in implementing inclusive education policies to support learners with disabilities. Schools are increasingly being equipped with assistive devices and specialized teaching methods. However, infrastructure remains a challenge, with many institutions still lacking proper accessibility features.
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Healthcare and Social Protection
The government has made efforts to integrate disability-friendly healthcare services and social protection programs, such as the cash transfer initiative for persons with severe disabilities. Nonetheless, gaps still exist in terms of access to specialized healthcare services and affordable assistive technology.
Other Stakeholders
Other stakeholders like the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) and its partners also play a huge role in formulating and fulfilling the GDS commitments. One example is through its programs, UDPK has upskilled young persons with disabilities, offered some jobs and championed for employment of persons with disabilities in different companies and organizations.
The Way Forward
While Kenya has made commendable progress, more action is needed to fulfill the commitments made during the Global Disability Summit. Key areas of improvement include:
- Strengthening enforcement of disability laws – Many disability policies exist on paper, but implementation remains weak. Stronger monitoring and accountability measures are needed to ensure compliance.
- Enhancing employment opportunities – Both government and private sector employers should create more inclusive work environments and provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
- Improving infrastructure and accessibility – Public buildings, transportation, and digital services must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Increasing representation – More persons with disabilities should be supported to take up leadership roles in governance, politics, and advocacy.
The Global Disability Summit is a vital platform for promoting disability inclusion worldwide. Kenya’s involvement in the summit has helped shape national policies and foster dialogue on disability rights. However, translating commitments into meaningful action remains the biggest challenge.
By strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving accessibility, and fostering economic inclusion, Kenya can set a precedent for other nations and ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities. As the country continues engaging in global disability discussions, sustained efforts and collective commitment will be crucial in living no one behind.
Article by: Maryanne Emomeri