Reflections from Berlin: REC at the Global Disability Summit 2025

By Elisha Byalungwe Inclusion Specialist – Refugee Education Council (REC)

What the Summit Was All About?

The Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025, co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), brought together over 4,500 participants from more than 100 countries to advance disability-inclusive development and humanitarian action—aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The summit opened with a Civil Society Forum under the banner “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Topics like inclusive education, climate justice, and gender equality strongly echoed REC’s mission.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration, endorsed by 98 entities. It sets ambitious goals, such as:

– Ensuring 15% of development programs include persons with disabilities by 2028

– Mainstreaming disability inclusion across all sectors

– Promoting OPD and youth leadership

Although Canada hasn’t endorsed the declaration yet, it aligns with Motion M-78—calling for stronger disability inclusion in both domestic and international efforts.

REC’s Engagement
REC had planned to host a focus group with youth with disabilities on education in emergencies (EiE), but it didn’t materialize due to low turnout and limited representation from the Global South. Most youth present were from Europe, with few having EiE experience.
This underscored the need for more inclusive outreach to youth from crisis-affected regions. In response, I shared REC’s survey on inclusive refugee education and encouraged attendees to contribute.

Moving from Berlin to the G7
The commitments made at GDS 2025 shouldn’t stay on paper. As the world looks to the upcoming G7 Summit, REC has an opportunity to:

– Advocate for the representation of youth with disabilities from the Global South
– Push for increased funding for inclusive education in emergencies
– Encourage Canada and other governments to adopt the Amman-Berlin Declaration as a
framework for international commitments

The Global Disability Summit was a powerful reminder of how inclusion must be intentional, funded, and led by those with lived experience. As REC continues its work, we must ensure that refugee learners with disabilities are not just seen—but heard, empowered, and supported.

Berlin gave us the momentum. Let’s carry it forward!