New global report calls for urgent action on disability inclusion

Inclusion is not merely an aspiration, but a fundamental human right. It requires ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, abilities or circumstances, are recognized, respected and afforded equitable access to resources and opportunities. Inclusive societies are better equipped to leverage the strengths and contributions of all their populations, enhancing their ability to withstand economic, environmental, social and other shocks and respond to technological shifts, climate change and other global trends.

Global Disability Inclusion Report

A new report launched at the Global Disability Summit 2025 warns that progress on disability inclusion remains slow – and outlines the cost of inaction.

The Global Disability Inclusion Report 2025: Accelerating Disability Inclusion in a Changing and Diverse World calls for urgent, intersectional action to break down systemic barriers faced by more than 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide.

Coordinated by UNICEF with contributions from CBM, the International Disability Alliance (IDA), International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), WHO and others, the report assesses where countries stand on implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Only 53 of the 114 participating countries have enacted or amended stand-alone disability legislation since the CRPD's adoption in December 2006.

The report notes, however, that legal frameworks are often too fragmented, underfunded and disconnected from broader social, economic and environmental policies.

Underemployment of persons with disabilities alone costs up to 7% of GDP in low- and middle-income countries.

Why this matters now

The report highlights how persons with disabilities are being left out of critical global trends:

  • Climate action often excludes persons with disabilities, despite heightened exposure to risks like flooding and displacement.
  • Digital technology can widen inequalities if accessibility is not built in.
  • Migration systems frequently overlook the needs of persons with disabilities, with inaccessible procedures and legal barriers.

Key insights and recommendations

The five-chapter report stresses intersectionality, critiques lagging CRPD implementation, and explores the impact of global challenges such as climate change, technology, and shifting demographics.

Persons with disabilities are not a homogeneous group. Their life experiences, overlapping identities and varied contexts shape the types and intensity of barriers, costs and inequalities they face. Factors such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, the type and level of support required, and barriers faced combine to affect inclusion.

‘One-size-fits-all’ approaches are inadequate, and creating inclusive systems and societies requires adaptations to reflect the diverse experiences of persons with disabilities across the life cycle.

The report provides actionable strategies across sectors like education, health, and employment.

Among its top recommendations:

 

  • Align national laws and policies with the CRPD – especially in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, climate and migration.
  • Invest in the generation and use of data and evidence to inform disability-inclusive policies and practices at scale across sectors by investing in high-quality data systems.
  • Mainstream inclusion and accessibility in all policies and services by collaborating with organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to address diverse needs and allocate funding.
  • Create reliable systems to identify needs and deliver support like cash transfers, assistive technology, and inclusive education. Governments, OPDs, NGOs, and the private sector should collaborate to design, monitor, and test these services for equitable coverage.
  • Track public spending, assess financing gaps, and involve OPDs in budget processes. Strategies include strengthening coordination between sectors, earmarking budgets for inclusive practices, and ensuring public procurement promotes accessibility.

The report finds that even small disability related investments – just 0.1% to 0.5% of GDP – can transform services in health, education and social protection.

A collective responsibility

We will continue to promote the report with key stakeholders and offer an online session on its content for interested colleagues.

Dominique Schlupkothen, CBID Director at CBM

Governments have a legal duty to uphold rights. Still, the report clarifies that progress depends on a whole-of-society effort – from OPDs and local authorities to global donors and the private sector. Sustained, flexible financing is critical, especially in humanitarian and low-income contexts.

“The Global Disability Inclusion Report provides a much-needed update and overview on the status of disability inclusion in today’s world. It provides practical insights and relevant recommendations for CBM’s programme and advocacy work,” said Dominique Schlupkothen, CBID Director at CBM. “We will continue to promote the report with key stakeholders and offer an online session on its content for interested colleagues.”

The report urges a step-change: harmonise laws, boost OPD participation, scale up inclusive funding – and embed disability inclusion in how we shape the future.

Access the full report (English) and executive summary (available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, and accessible formats) here.