The goal of the summit was to lead lasting change in the lives of millions of people with disabilities. To succeed, it is crucial that governments, international organizations, civil society and private business commit themselves to increased efforts to promote inclusion and rights-based development.
Different focus areas were highlighted through the two overarching themes of meaningful participation and reconstruction in the light of COVID-19. These are universal issues in line with the UN's sustainability agenda, but the summit focused on the countries that are furthest from achieving the sustainability goals.
You can find more information about GDS on the summit website.
In addition to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and IDA President Yannis Vardakastanis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended the opening of the summit. This was followed by contributions from high-level representatives from UN member states, leaders of UN organizations and development banks, as well as representatives from organizations for people with disabilities.
