As the 2025 Global Disability Summit approaches, we asked children what they want their futures to look like. Their responses were clear: they want to see an inclusive future where all children are respected and understood, no matter their disability.
The Global Disability Summit brings together governments, businesses, donors and civil society to shape disability policies and turn commitments into concrete action. Attendees make disability inclusion pledges which the summit monitors and reports on in the years in between the summits.
The summit happens every three years and in 2025 it will take place in Berlin on 2-3 April, co-hosted by the governments of Germany and Jordan.
As our world leaders gather to make commitments on disability policies for the years ahead, we call on them to hear what children with disabilities have to say.
Watch our video filmed with children who attend our Nyhabiu School for the Deaf in Rwanda:
At Chance for Childhood, we are supporting children with disabilities in two main ways: through inclusive education and creating safer spaces.
Education opens up a world of opportunity and we believe that every child should get the support they need to thrive in schools, learning alongside their peers without disabilities.
A safe space is somewhere children can find respite from their daily lives and feel supported by adults they can trust. Creating safe spaces isn’t about allocating rooms in schools for specific purposes – it’s about developing an inclusive environment for all where more vulnerable children can learn and develop.
World leaders must prioritise inclusive education and safe spaces: we know they are both essential to helping children grow, learn and reach their potential.