NAIU at GDC25: inclusion at the global level

On April 2-3, 2025, the Third Global Disability Summit (GDC25) took place in Berlin. - was a large-scale international event that brought together leaders of states, international institutions and organizations of people with disabilities from around the world. The Summit has become a platform for jointly finding solutions, sharing experiences and strengthening global inclusion.

NAIU was represented at the summit by Head of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPDU) Valeriy Sushkevych and Secretary General of NAIU Victoria Nazarenko. Their presence emphasized Ukraine's active role in the global movement for the rights of people with disabilities, despite the challenges of war.

"Global inclusion is impossible without the participation of people with disabilities and their organizations. The participation of the NAPD in GDC25 is an opportunity not only to talk about the Ukrainian experience, but also to learn from the world, adapting the best practices to our realities," said Victoria Nazarenko.

This year's summit paid special attention to this issue:

• expanding the participation of people with disabilities in decision-making,
• ensuring access to education, employment, and humanitarian aid,
• implementing the principles of universal design and digital accessibility.

The participants noted: more than 1.3 billion people with disabilities in the world should be an integral part of social, economic and political life. This requires consistent implementation of inclusive policies at the national and international levels.

The NAPD continues to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities at all levels - from communities to world summits. Participation in the GDC25 was an important step towards strengthening international solidarity and promoting inclusion even in the extremely difficult conditions of war.