The Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 in April in Berlin served as a powerful gathering point for governments, civil society, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and international partners to reflect on progress, share innovations, and strengthen commitments to disability inclusion. For the Togolese delegation, led by the Minister of Social Action, which included representatives from government, civil society, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and the GIZ project ProEmploi+, the GDS was a powerful moment, not only for representation but also for collective mobilisation. This was also reinforced by a study tour across Berlin, clearly sending a powerful message about Togo’s growing dedication to disability inclusion and the recognition that disability rights are a national priority.
Inspirations from the GDS 2025
The delegation drew inspiration from various sessions of the GDS that showcased practical, transferable solutions. From internship models that challenge workplace stereotypes to digital tools for accessible job-matching, the GDS offered a wealth of ideas for inclusive employment. The emphasis on soft and life skills training to bridge the transition from education to the labour market was particularly resonant. Equally important was the focus on self-representation and leadership, with strong calls for youth empowerment, political participation, and the amplification of personal narratives to drive systemic change. As Marc Analene of FETAPH noted, the summit opened doors for concrete partnerships and gave the Togolese delegation “levers to turn ambition into action”.
From Observation to Immersion: Lessons from the Berlin Study Visit
To complement their participation in the Summit, the Togolese delegation undertook a targeted study tour across Berlin. This visit offered a rare opportunity to go beyond high-level discussions and observe inclusive practices in action—within institutions, workplaces, and advocacy spaces. Each stop highlighted a different facet of how Germany embeds disability inclusion structurally—through policy, partnerships, and people.
At the LAGeSo (State Office for Health and Social Affairs), the delegation explored how inclusive employment is not just encouraged, but structurally supported through legal obligations, funding schemes, and workplace accommodation programs. This encounter highlighted the importance of having dedicated institutions that serve as bridges between workers, employers, and inclusion objectives.
At Textilhafen, an initiative of the Berliner Stadtmission, the delegation saw inclusion through the lens of social entrepreneurship. The group witnessed how people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness are integrated into meaningful, dignified work, demonstrating a holistic approach to inclusion that links social and ecological sustainability.
A key moment came during the exchange with ISL e.V. (Interessenvertretung Selbstbestimmt Leben), one of the leading self-advocacy organisations in Germany. The conversation focused on the right to self-determination, the UN CRPD as a human rights framework, and the essential role of persons with disabilities in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Sustaining the Momentum
These exchanges not only deepened technical knowledge but also fostered mutual learning, with the Togolese delegation offering Global South perspectives that enriched the dialogue. As they return home, delegates carry with them a shared language, new tools, and a stronger network to push forward national ownership of inclusion. As Chantal Kouevi of FIFHEP stated, the experience was invaluable for strengthening their mission to integrate women with disabilities more fully into Togolese society. The GDS and the Berlin tour were not endpoints but launching pads for lasting, inclusive change.
With the political will, civil society energy, and international momentum of the Amman-Berlin Declaration behind them, Togo is moving toward a more inclusive future.