Malonje Phiri, Programme Officer for the Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD), represented the organization at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) held on 2nd and 3rd April 2025 in Berlin, Germany. The event was jointly hosted by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Government of Germany, and the Government of Jordan, under the theme of the “Amman-Berlin Summit.”
One of the key outcomes of the Summit was the “Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion,” a landmark document aimed at promoting inclusive development and encouraging global commitment to disability rights. The Declaration is now open for endorsement by countries and institutions worldwide.
The primary goal of the GDS 2025 was to galvanize global efforts for disability inclusion. It brought together a diverse range of stakeholders including governments, multilateral agencies, private sector actors, academic institutions, civil society organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and foundations. These high-level participants engaged in discussions to assess progress and strengthen global commitment toward the realization of disability-inclusive policies and practices.
Mr. Phiri’s participation in the summit was jointly sponsored by the World Bank and the Scottish Government. He also served as one of the panelists, alongside:
Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Malawi
Ms. Beatrice Matafwali, Associate Professor, University of Zambia
During his session, Mr. Phiri shared insights into the collaborative efforts of OPDs in Malawi, particularly in partnership with the Ministry of Education, to influence policy and practice that accommodate the needs of diverse learners. He also highlighted the work of the Finnish Association of the Deaf, a key international partner supporting inclusive education through sign language research and development. He emphasized that sign language is increasingly recognized and utilized in Malawian schools, marking significant progress in inclusive education.
The GDS 2025 was especially impactful for the Deaf community, offering a platform to amplify their voices, address unique challenges such as accessibility barriers, discrimination (especially for Deaf women), and promote the implementation of international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Summit advocated for the elimination of legal and systemic discrimination, ensuring equal access to justice, healthcare, education, and social services for Deaf individuals.
The Global Disability Summit is held every four years, with the first hosted in 2018 and the second in 2022. Between summits, regional and thematic events are organized to maintain momentum and monitor progress on commitments made during the main summits. You can download declaration document here.
