Brief GDS History

The first Global Disability Summit 2018, co-hosted by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (now FCDO), the Government of Kenya, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), was held in London. It was a major event for disability inclusion with approximately 1.200 delegates, gathering unprecedented attention from leaders and decision makers.

The second Global Disability Summit 2022, co-hosted by the Governments of Norway and Ghana, together with IDA, was held in Oslo. The summit resulted in even stronger participation from high-level representatives mainly due to its digital format. Over 7.000 participants attended the virtual summit in February 2022.

The third Global Disability Summit 2025 built upon the achievements of the two previous summits hosted by the Governments of Germany and Jordan, alongside the permanent cohost IDA. The summit was held in Berlin, Germany in April 2025.

For the latest information about GDS2025, check out the official GDS website.

GDS Commitments

The GDS commitments mechanism is a structured process through which stakeholders can make concrete pledges or commitments to implement the rights of persons with disabilities enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It provides a framework for governments, UN agencies, civil society including organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), the private sector, academia, foundations and other stakeholders to outline specific actions, initiatives, or policies they will implement on disability inclusion. GDS commitments are essential because they help incorporate disability inclusion in development cooperation more systematically and drive action and accountability in contributing to collective efforts to promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities globally.

Learn more about Commitments and how to make them on the GDS website. 

Our Involvement

While EDF has never served as a co-host of the Global Disability Summit (GDS), we have been a consistent and active contributor to its advocacy and engagement efforts over the years. From co-hosting the European Regional Disability Summit to supporting OPD participation and pushing for strong European Union (EU) commitments, we have played a key role in shaping the GDS agenda.

In the Lead-Up to GDS2025

EDF was deeply engaged throughout the GDS2025 process. Our efforts took many forms, all aimed at advancing meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in international cooperation and humanitarian action:

• Launched an online survey to gather input from Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and individuals with disabilities on the most pressing priorities for global action.
• Developed and disseminated advocacy toolkits to support OPD engagement in GDS processes.
• Hosted virtual meetings to build momentum and foster collaboration across Europe and Central Asia.
• Advocated at the EU level for strong GDS2025 commitments

Looking Ahead

As GDS2025 concludes, EDF remains committed to monitoring the implementation of summit commitments and supporting continued OPD engagement. We will also keep this page updated as preparations begin for the next Global Disability Summit in 2028.