Inclusion must be a right and it should not be negotiable. WHO's position starts from that and WHO has been working on disability for many years.
Leaders, advocates and experts from across the globe gathered in Berlin from 2–3 April 2025 for the Global Disability Summit to discuss the critical role that disability inclusion plays in building a more sustainable future.
The Summit, organized by the Governments of Germany and Jordan in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance, marked a pivotal moment in global health efforts to advance health equity for all.
The World Health Organization (WHO) was well represented at the Summit, as demonstrated by the participation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Darryl Barrett, Technical Lead of the WHO Disability Programme.
Key outcomes from the Summit
- Announcement of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities
Dr Tedros announced the launch of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities. The Initiative will act as an essential mechanism to coordinate and prioritize collaborative efforts for better health for persons with disabilities. It will transform health systems and guide countries in developing and implementing policies that prioritize their health needs.
- Strategic discussions to drive progress
The Summit enabled crucial discussions between WHO and various partners, especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, on the most efficient ways to mainstream disability inclusion in health practices and systems. Partners proposed innovative strategies to leverage resources, expertise and networks to drive progress in health equity for persons with disabilities. The insights gained from the discussions will shape the objectives and structure of the global initiative, ensuring it effectively addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
- High-level commitments
The Summit concluded with over 800 commitments made by countries and partners at all levels to promote disability inclusion. WHO endorsed the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion and will continue to work with governments, organizations and stakeholders to advance disability inclusion in international development and humanitarian action. The health-related commitments, published on the Summit's website, will serve as a roadmap to create more inclusive health systems.
The way forward
The Summit was a powerful platform that catalysed an unprecedented movement for a more inclusive health sector driven by and for persons with disabilities.
WHO will build on the conversations initiated with disability advocates and health sector stakeholders, and work actively towards the launch of the global initiative on health equity for persons with disabilities.
Dr Tedros added, "Universal health coverage cannot happen without including the 1.3 billion [persons with disabilities globally]. All countries have to mainstream inclusion in their policies. So that's what we're pushing for, and we will continue to do our best."
