At the 2025 Global Disability Summit, the International Labour Organization (ILO) issued a strong call for united global action to ensure people with disabilities are no longer left behind in the labour market. Governments, employers, and civil society were urged to step up efforts to create inclusive workplaces that offer equal opportunities and decent work for all.
“Equal opportunities for people with disabilities don’t just happen—they require determination and long-term commitment,” said ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake during the summit held from April 2–3.
Despite representing 15% of the global population—around one billion people—persons with disabilities remain significantly excluded from employment. Their participation in the workforce lags 30% behind those without disabilities. Youth with disabilities face even tougher odds, being twice as likely to be out of education, employment, or training.
The ILO called for urgent policy shifts to remove systemic barriers, particularly for women and young people with disabilities. One of its key tools in this effort is the Global Business and Disability Network, which connects major multinational corporations and national partners to promote inclusive hiring and working conditions, particularly in developing economies.
Still, many persons with disabilities remain trapped in informal work, enduring discrimination, unsafe conditions, and lower pay. The wage gap is especially stark for women, and access to social protection remains limited—only a third of people with severe disabilities receive adequate disability benefits.
The ILO underscored the need for inclusive dialogue, advocating for the active participation of persons with disabilities in social and labour policy discussions.
The summit closed with the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, which commits to making disability inclusion a priority in at least 15% of international development programs. The ILO’s endorsement signals its deep commitment to building a future of work that leaves no one behind.
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