The recent Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Brussels, co-hosted by the European Commission and us, solidified the European Union’s commitment to disability-inclusive development.
The GLAD Network serves as a dynamic hub, uniting donors, various state agencies, public and private foundations, and influential coalitions within the disability rights movement. Their common goal is the pursuit of inclusive international development and humanitarian action, with various working groups focusing on different themes (climate, gender, education and more).
The involvement of the EU
The EU’s delegation comprised various officials: Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, delivered a video address; Martin Seychell, Deputy Director General of the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) and Johanna Darmanin, Head of the Thematic Policies Unit at the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) attended the Meeting.
They highlighted the strong commitment by the European Commission to mainstream disability in their actions. They mentioned the EU’s funding priority, the Global Gateway, focusing on digital, energy, transport, health, education, and research systems, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
They emphasised the need to ensure disability inclusion within civil protection processes and the vital importance of accessibility, especially information on disaster risk reduction and during emergencies.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective action in the pursuit of disability-inclusive development on the global stage and at the upcoming Global Disability Summit 2025.
The role of the European Disability Forum
We played an important role during this Meeting, as a co-host of the event. Our Vice President, Gunta Anca, shared an overview of our during a panel discussion on Jordan, Pakistan and Ukraine. She also delivered a compelling address at the gender working group, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our Programme Coordinator, Gordon Rattray, shed light on the critical topic of coordination in emergency response. Furthermore, we utilised this platform to engage with valued donors and unveil an enlightening series of articles titled “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights“.
Contact
Marion Steff, International Cooperation Manager: