The summit, hosted by the UK government with the government of Kenya and the International Disability Alliance, saw more than 300 signatories to its Charter for Change. The charter lists 10 steps to achieving the aim of ensuring “rights, freedoms, dignity and inclusion for all persons with disabilities.”
In total, more than 170 specific commitments to disability-inclusive development were made by governments, multilateral institutions and private sector organisations. If the charter’s requirements – and the other commitments made at the summit – are met, the lives of people with disabilities worldwide could be immeasurably improved.
Sightsavers CEO Caroline Harper said: “We’re thrilled with the commitments made at the Global Disability Summit. It’s fantastic to see the global development community coming together to recognise the importance of leaving no one behind in efforts to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals and improve the lives of people in the world’s poorest countries.”
Tessa Murphy, manager of Sightsavers’ Put Us in the Picture campaign, said: “The summit was a significant moment for Put Us in the Picture – for nearly five years we’ve been calling on the UK government to prioritise the rights of people with disabilities and the summit shows how seriously DFID takes this need. With the summit over, and a host of potential life-changing commitments made, the work now begins to ensure that pledges go from words to action. Today, we are one large step closer to making a disability-inclusive world a reality.”
Sightsavers' Put Us in the Picture campaign calls for people with disabilities to have the same opportunities as everyone else.
More on the campaignThe funding, which will be spent between now and 2025, will help to protect millions of people from the harmful effects of NTDs.
Gertrude, who was nominated by the government of Ghana, was elected alongside five other women and will serve on the committee until 2026.
The guide provides a framework and technical tools to help countries prioritise eye health issues and deliver high-quality, inclusive eye care services.