On April 2–3, 2025, the Global Disability Summit (GDS) in Berlin reaffirmed its status as a key international platform for promoting inclusive development and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Uzbekistan’s delegation—representatives from the Center for the Analysis of Democratic Processes, the Society of the Disabled, and the Center for Progressive Reforms—actively participated in the event. Their focus was on sharing Uzbekistan’s progress, learning from global experiences, and building partnerships to improve conditions for people with disabilities in the country.

About the Summit
Launched in 2017, the GDS brings together governments, civil society, and international organizations to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of development. This year’s summit was co-hosted by the governments of Germany and Jordan, alongside the International Disability Alliance (IDA). Notable attendees included King Abdullah II of Jordan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, IDA President Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Key Themes and Priorities
The summit addressed several core areas aimed at enhancing the participation and well-being of persons with disabilities:

• Inclusive Employment – expanding job opportunities and creating tailored employment strategies;

• Accessible Infrastructure – adapting urban spaces, transportation, and public services to be more inclusive;

• Healthcare Access – improving access to medical care, including rehabilitation and mental health support;

• Inclusive Education – strengthening education systems for children with special needs and expanding digital learning access;

• Social Protection and Economic Inclusion – increasing social benefits and improving financial opportunities;

• Digital Inclusion – narrowing the digital divide to ensure access to technology.

Uzbekistan’s Involvement
Uzbekistan’s delegation contributed to key sessions, including:

• “Ensuring Guaranteed Income for Persons with Disabilities”

• “The Six Guiding Principles of Inclusive Development”

• “Inclusive Labor Markets and Decent Work Opportunities”

• “Inclusion in Health Systems”

• “Designing Inclusive Infrastructure and Local Solutions”

They held bilateral meetings with international experts, donor organizations, and civil society actors to present Uzbekistan’s legislative updates, ongoing reforms, and national initiatives in support of persons with disabilities. Discussions also focused on adapting global best practices to the local context and deepening cooperation with international stakeholders.

Looking Ahead
The outcomes of GDS 2025 will help shape global collaboration efforts to improve the lives and rights of persons with disabilities. For Uzbekistan, the summit marked a significant step toward aligning national development strategies with inclusive principles.
In the coming months, Uzbekistan aims to expand its efforts by fostering inclusive policies, scaling up cooperation with international partners, and implementing practical solutions to promote the social and economic integration of persons with disabilities.