The International Disability Alliance (IDA) offers some reflections on a successful and busy period in 2024, marking a year of advancements and impact in our core work of advocacy, capacity building and movement strengthening, as well as in strengthening our internal control systems and governance.
Throughout 2024, IDA has continued to enhance the institutional, representational and advocacy capacities of its members, facilitating measurable and sustainable impacts across national, regional, and global levels. Key to these advancements has been IDA’s work to address institutional barriers that hinder equal political participation and inclusion in society of persons with disabilities.
Nawaf Kabbara, President of IDA delivering a speech at the European Regional Disability Summit (ERDS)
Advocacy, activism, and training of trainers to advance systemic change
In line with its commitment, IDA has been hard at work in building a more inclusive world—one where persons with disabilities through their representative organizations, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups, are recognized as key actors, decision-makers, and leaders. This must be the norm, not the exception. We have been doing this in the following ways:
- Amplifying the voice of grassroots OPDs on the global stage: IDA has played a pivotal role in ensuring grassroots OPDs are represented at major international forums, including COP29 in Azerbaijan and the World Data Forum in Colombia.
- Building a new generation of disability leaders: Through the Bridge Training of Trainers Bridge in Cairo, and the CRPD-SDG training in the Pacific, IDA is building the new generation of OPD leaders and activists and strengthening local movements.
Group photo of all participants, facilitators and support persons during Bridge Training of Trainers Bridge in Cairo
- Advocacy at the Security Council on inclusive peace and security: During the United Nations Security Council’s Arria Formula meeting on December 6, IDA made a powerful call for the establishment of a permanent Disability peace and security agenda and for States to develop and implement UNSC 2475 national action plans.
José Viera, IDA Interim Executive Director at the UN Security Council's Arria-formula meeting
-
Health Equity for women with disabilities: Building on the strengthened international framework and guidance from the WHO, IDA hosted a health equity webinar focused on the participation of women with disabilities in health system strengthening. We believe these discussions must be driven by women with disabilities through their representative organizations, to reduce the health equity gap including the underlying and social determinants of health of women and girls with disabilities.
Preparations for the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 has also been a major focus of IDA’s work, and 2024 has been marked by regional pre-summits in the Arab, Latin American, European, and African regions. This has been critical in creating inclusive platforms for dialogue, enabling OPDs to articulate localized priorities to contribute the world’s leading global convening of organizations of persons with disabilities, States, and other stakeholders, to advance disability inclusive international cooperation and humanitarian action. The regional summits have emphasized contextual diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that GDS 2025 will emerge as an authentic, responsive, and representative event with actionable commitments. This reflects IDA’s dedication to bridging gaps between local, national and regional challenges and global policy responses. The meetings in Jordan, Brazil, Germany, and Kenya, also provided an excellent opportunity.
Participants attending the GDS regional pre-summit in Nairobi, Africa
Organizational strengthening
IDA has been deeply grateful for the comprehensive reviews and recommendations received this year, as well as the outcomes of the organization-wide listening exercise process. These reviews have been invaluable in identifying areas for strengthening governance, safeguarding, and operational performance. IDA is proud to conclude 2024 with strong implementation of the recommendations: over 95% of recommendations have been successfully implemented, with the remaining elements set to be completed early in the new year. This achievement demonstrates IDA’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs and perspectives of its members, stakeholders, and partners.
As part of its institutional strengthening agenda, IDA has engaged in a comprehensive review and overhaul of internal governance systems, operational policies, and safeguarding protocols. This process has been guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to global best practices, ensuring that IDA remains the trusted leader in representing OPDs and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Two examples are of particular importance to us: the full implementation of the Reasonable Accommodation Policy, which ensures equitable opportunities across all levels of IDA’s operations, aligning with our principles of accessibility and inclusion; and the strengthening of our Safeguarding Policies and protocols, which have created an even safer, more supportive, and accountable organizational environment. Throughout this process, IDA has addressed all concerns identified in both independent and internal reviews, delivering comprehensive and sustainable solutions. We are proud of our demonstrated commitment to integrity, governance excellence, and operational transparency.
Governance improvements
On governance matters, after an extensive period of consultation and ‘listening exercise’, IDA members have decided on a range of governance changes aimed at enhancing accountability, transparency, and effective representation and leadership, with the adoption of revised Articles of Association planned for the General Assembly meeting in January 2025. IDA will operate under a two-tier governance structure, consisting of the General Assembly and the Board, with distinct individuals serving on each body to ensure a clear separation of responsibilities. The General Assembly will be responsible for strategic and political matters, and the Board will focus on fiduciary duties and financial oversight. The Board will comprise seven members, including two independent members. To ensure continued positive change and renewed OPD leadership engagement in IDA, term limits will also be introduced.
Looking ahead to 2025
Looking ahead, IDA is poised to build upon its achievements from 2024 with an ambitious, forward-looking agenda for 2025. This strategic trajectory will focus on expanding its impact through innovative and open engagement, enhanced operational transparency, strengthened global representation, and deepened collaborative partnerships. In 2025, IDA will also leverage lessons learned from its 2024 initiatives to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and evaluation processes, ensuring that outcomes remain impact oriented.
IDA extends its profound appreciation to its member organizations, partners, and global stakeholders for their support, collaboration, and shared vision throughout 2024. It is through your collective dedication, expertise, and commitment that we have been able to advance our mission. As we step into 2025, we invite our partners and allies to continue alongside us in this shared journey. Together, we will create the systemic transformation required for an inclusive and equitable world that upholds the rights of every person with disabilities in every corner of the world.