By IDA

 - January 26, 2025

The International Disability Alliance (IDA) hosted its General Assembly (GA) in Istanbul from January 24-26, 2025, marking a historic milestone in the organization's governance and future direction. This pivotal three-day event centered on amending the IDA constitution to address governance matters, demonstrating a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and effective representation. 

These amendments are a result of discussion that began six months earlier, with extensive consultations and a comprehensive listening exercise involving IDA members. Through this process, IDA identified vital governance changes to enhance leadership and strengthen its operational performance. These changes have been solidified with the adoption of revised Articles of Association during this GA. 

Over the three days of the GA, the Articles of Association were reviewed and discussed line by line, in a deeply consultative and inclusive process. This approach ensured that perspectives and priorities from organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) from the Global South, and OPDs representing underrepresented groups, as well as essential gender dimensions were integrated into the discussions.  

 A group photo featuring participants of the IDA General Assembly 2025. The diverse group includes individuals seated and standing, representing various global regions and perspectives.

The GA also emphasized the importance of gender equality in representation, recognising it as essential for inclusive leadership. With its reach spanning 182 countries, IDA continues to break barriers and advance the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities worldwide

Reflecting on this transformative period, IDA President Nawaf Kabbara remarked, “This past year, we worked closely and collaboratively with our Fit for Purpose Committee, dedicated members of IDA, the Secretariat Staff, and other allies to strengthen IDA as both an alliance and the global representative organization of persons with disabilities. This General Assembly crystallizes the tremendous efforts of the IDA leadership over the past 18 months. The outcomes of this meeting shall not be an end in themselves but rather the dawn of a new era for the Alliance. 

The newly constituted General Assembly represents a broader delegation, offering enhanced representation among IDA members. The General Assembly serves as the representative body of IDA, advising on political and strategic matters. Meanwhile, the Board will focus on fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring sound governance and accountability. 

Among the structural changes introduced, the IDA Board will now feature seven members, including two independent members, to bring external competencies and perspectives. The GA and the Board will not have the same representatives.  

To ensure renewed leadership and positive change, term limits will be introduced. Additionally, annual performance reviews of the General Assembly leadership will be conducted to ensure accountability and responsiveness to the disability movement. 

Reflecting on these changes, Jose Viera, IDA Executive Director, stated, “IDA is a social public asset of the entire disability movement. It’s our shared responsibility to make it more influential, relevant, and inclusive every day. As OPDs, we are more than advocates. We are professional, reliable partners driving change. Representation goes beyond global forums—it means leading change. Together, we build a stronger, more inclusive IDA.” 

Key outcomes of this GA include: 

  • Elections for all positions under the revised Articles of Association, including General Assembly and Board positions, to be held within 90 days. 
  • A distinct separation of roles between the Board, responsible for fiduciary matters and governance, and the General Assembly, responsible for political representation. 
  • Reaffirmation of the importance of gender diversity and equality in all elected bodies. 

The adoption of the revised constitution reflects a significant new chapter for IDA. As we move forward in this new year, these governance changes and the commitment to speedy implementation and elections reaffirm our commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership. 

Find the revised Articles of Association here.

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