In a world that strives for inclusivity, events like the Zero Conference 2024 in Vienna serve as a beacon of hope and progress. From February 21st to 23rd 2024, world leaders, inclusion enthusiasts, representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPD), educators and scientists, policymakers from governments, advocates and activists from NGO, and many more gathered to exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster collaboration towards a more inclusive future. More than 1,000 people from 100 countries attended the conference.
The conference this year was focusing on innovative solutions such as inclusive education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities thereby sharing experiences and good practices of disability inclusion. Participants explored how technology can empower learners of all abilities, break down barriers to education, and promote inclusion.
One highlight of the event was the inaugural presentation of the Global Disability Summit (GDS) by the GDS hosts Germany, Jordan and the International Disability Alliance (IDA). By bringing together governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector, the GDS aims to catalyze action towards a more inclusive and accessible world for all. As emphasized by the GDS commissioner Hans Baur (BMZ) highlighting the importance of the GDS: “We will make the GDS a turning point for inclusion globally living up to the crucial principle “Nothing about us without us.” The GDS will take place on the 2nd and 3rd April 2025 in Berlin.
This landmark moment showcased the commitment of global leaders to address the needs and rights of persons with disabilities and HRH Jordanian’s Prince Mired Raad Al- Hussein, the president of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the GDS, spoke passionately about the importance of motivating world leaders to take national ownership on the topic of disability inclusion: “The world’s leaders who participate in the GDS should be giddy with excitement to incite change after this summit.”
Another hightlight for sure was the Zero Project Award Ceremony. 77 Zero Project Awardees (selected from over 500 nominations) from 43 countries and their innovative solutions were front and center across the entire conference agenda. All awarded project fulfilled the three key criteria: being innovative and scalable as well as having a proven impact.
Browse through the 77 inspiring Zero Project Awardees!
Pick the sessions of your interest and watch the recordings on YouTube!
