On the first day of the Global Disability Summit 2025, ADF and its We Can Work partners reinforced their commitment to amplifying the voices of youth with disabilities in advancing economic inclusion. In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and Light for the World, the discussions highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping inclusive employment opportunities and advocating for systemic change.

A key highlight of the day was a well-attended and engaging fireside chat on “Young Women and Men Driving Economic Inclusion.” ADF’s youth delegates took center stage, delivering a clear and powerful message: their voices must be heard. Sharing their experiences as youth advocates and disability inclusion facilitators, they spoke about:

• The impact of developing talent and supporting the transition to work
• The importance of mainstreaming disability in institutions and programs
• The role of youth-led advocacy in driving systemic change

During the discussion, the youth delegates called on governments, businesses, and organizations to take concrete action by:

• Creating opportunities for inclusive employment and fostering multi-sector partnerships to ensure dignified work for youth with disabilities.
• Investing in empowerment through education, training, mentorship, and digital skills, while ensuring young people actively participate in shaping policies that affect their lives.
• Establishing measurable and transparent reporting mechanisms to track progress toward economic inclusion and hold stakeholders accountable for meaningful change.

Engaging with partners throughout the summit, the youth delegates emphasized the urgent need for increased resourcing, advocacy, capacity development, and collaboration among stakeholders and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). Strengthening these efforts is essential to creating lasting impact and ensuring that youth with disabilities have the opportunities and support they need to thrive in the workforce.