February 2026 will be an exciting month for advancing global disability inclusion and strengthening private sector engagement in international cooperation, with two major conferences taking place in Vienna: the Zero Project Conference 2026 and the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) 1st Regional Conference for Europe.
The Zero Project Conference 2026 (#ZeroCon26), held from 18–20 February at the United Nations Office in Vienna (opening on 17 February at the Austrian Parliament), will gather more than 1,000 innovators, changemakers, and business leaders to exchange scalable solutions that improve the lives of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme, Accessibility, ICT, and Crisis Response, highlights innovation as a key driver for inclusion and resilience.
On behalf of BMZ, the GIZ Global Project Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities continues to support the Zero Project Scaling Solutions Programme, a collaboration with the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, and Access To Success, a leading global accelerator for accessibility startups. The programme empowers proven disability innovations to scale globally through mentoring, masterclasses, and strategic matchmaking. GIZ’s engagement aims to connect inclusive best practices with international cooperation, turning commitments from the Global Disability Summit into concrete action, and strengthening the global ecosystem for disability innovation.
At #ZeroCon26, GIZ will present three contributions: a fireside chat on the Digital Inclusion Toolbox, exploring practical frameworks for inclusive digital development; a session on Inclusive Business Practices, featuring a new digital learning tool piloted in Pakistan’s textile sector; and a GIZ Booth showcasing inclusive development cooperation in practice.
For more information and registration: Zero Project Conference 2026 | #ZeroCon26 | Zero Project
Just a day earlier, on 17 February, the ILO GBDN’s 1st European Regional Conference titled “Unlocking Potential: Disability Inclusion in Business” will bring together multinational companies, policymakers, UN agencies, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to discuss inclusive employment, leadership, technology for accessibility, public–private partnerships, and disability-inclusive sustainability reporting.
Together, these events underscore the growing recognition that inclusive business practices not only promote equality but also foster innovation, productivity, and growth. Strengthening private sector cooperation remains a BMZ priority essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda and unlocking inclusive economic potential worldwide.
More info
ILO GBDN 1st regional conference for Europe | ILO Global Business and Disability Network