UK hosts first ever Global Disability Summit

27 June 2018 // On 24 July 2018 the UK government, through its Department for International Development (UK DFID), will co-host its first ever Global Disability Summit with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the Government of Kenya. The summit focuses on four major themes: dignity and respect for all, inclusive education, economic empowerment and technology & innovation, and includes additional cross-cutting and strategic spotlight sessions.

It will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London and will bring together more than 700 delegates from governments, donors, private sector organisations, charities and organisations of persons with disabilities.

The Summit follows its sister event on July 23 at the same venue: the Civil Society Forum. This event, hosted by IDA, is a one-day event to which all invitees to the summit will also be invited. The purpose of the Forum is to amplify the voice and participation of persons with disabilities in the outcomes of the Summit, through their individual participation and that of representative organisations.

IF will be represented at the summit by Mr. Afolabi Fajemilo of our member organisation in Nigeria, the Festus Fajemilo Foundation. With the support of UK DFID and IDA, the Festus Fajemilo Foundation has started the No One Left Behind programme with the aim to provide children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their families with the skills and knowledge necessary for fully participating in society, with emphasis on right to health and education. Teachers and parents have been receiving training on right to inclusive education, including accessibility, provision of support and reasonable accommodation.

Read more about the Global Disability Summit and the Civil Society Forum on the IDA website.