King Speaks at the 3rd Global Disability Summit

Ammon

02-04-2025

Ammon News - His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Wednesday, delivered a speech at the opening of the third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025) in Berlin. The summit was co-hosted by the governments of Jordan and Germany, in partnership with the International Disability Alliance.
The King emphasized the importance of collaboration and action to ensure that people with disabilities can lead lives of dignity, happiness, and hope. He stressed that inclusivity goes beyond accessibility—it's about recognizing the potential in every person and fostering an environment where everyone can contribute.
His Majesty also highlighted Jordan's progress in supporting the rights of people with disabilities, noting that Jordan was one of the first countries to sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Furthermore, the King underscored Jordan's dedication to disability rights through legislation and its innovative centers focused on care, education, rehabilitation, and the integration of people with disabilities into society.
He also pointed out the need for greater international efforts in conflict zones, where people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. His Majesty referenced Jordan's 'Restoring Hope' initiative, which has provided support to over 400 amputees, including children, in Gaza.
The full text of the King's speech follows:
"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,
Chancellor Scholz,
Your Excellencies,
Dear friends,
It is a pleasure to be here with all of you today. On behalf of Jordan, I thank you for investing your time, expertise, and support in the vital cause of disability rights. I also extend my deep appreciation to Germany and the International Disability Alliance, Jordan's partners in hosting this third Global Disability Summit. Chancellor, my heartfelt thanks to you, the people, and the government of Germany for being such gracious hosts.
My friends,
Today, every country, regardless of wealth, faces the challenge of fulfilling the rights of our brothers and sisters with disabilities. The disability community itself has the most important role to play, with its knowledge and experience making a world of difference.
However, this responsibility is not yours alone. At this Summit and in the coming days, we must work together, commit, and act to ensure that all people can live their lives with dignity, happiness, and hope.
Inclusion goes beyond accessibility; it is about recognizing the inherent potential in every individual and creating environments where everyone can contribute.
I am proud of the generations of Jordanians who have worked tirelessly for the rights of people with disabilities.
Jordan was one of the earliest signatories of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We amended our Constitution to reflect our strong commitment to dignity and respect. Key legislation has been enacted to uphold disability rights, and we have developed national strategies focused on enhancing accessibility, independent living, and inclusive education.
Jordan also houses one of the leading centers in the region for early intervention, special education, and vocational rehabilitation for those with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, and has pioneered services for young people with learning disabilities.
Most recently, we established the Royal Academy for Inclusive Education to drive real change in education.
Achieving these goals requires collaboration across government, society, and international partners, as seen here today. I congratulate the over 80 Jordanian entities, both public and private, for their concrete commitments to this Summit.
Have we done enough? We still have much work ahead to ensure that all Jordanians with disabilities can easily access schools, shops, and voting centers, secure good jobs, live independently, and experience acceptance, respect, and love.
My friends,
Worldwide, our responsibility is especially urgent for those living in conflict zones, where people with disabilities are even more vulnerable. This underscores the importance of peace, with justice, and the need for timely humanitarian action.
The situation in Gaza is a painful reminder. Gaza has the highest number of child amputees per capita, as well as a significant number of injured adults. Medical facilities have been destroyed, and we need to rethink old approaches.
Last autumn, Jordan's Royal Medical Services deployed two custom mobile clinics, staffed by Jordanian medical teams. Using e-consultations with doctors and technicians, we created the world's first children's prosthetic socket, all from the back of a van.
To date, over 400 amputees, including children, have benefited from this initiative, bringing them hope. Behind every statistic is a face, a story, and a life of immeasurable value. These individuals are back with their families, and we are proud of the Jordanian doctors and technicians who have answered the call.
We call this initiative "Restoring Hope." Here at the Global Disability Summit, we invite all champions of disability rights to help us restore hope to those in Gaza and others in need around the world.
Through Restoring Hope, we've demonstrated that leadership, compassion, and innovation thrive even in the darkest and most challenging times.
My friends,
Where one challenge may hold us back, other strengths and abilities can propel us forward. This is something that people with disabilities have shown the world time and time again.
That is the challenge before us at this Summit: to look beyond what is and envision what could be, and to have the courage to bridge that gap. To restore hope, not just through words, but through meaningful actions.
Together, we can open a new path to the future—a future where people with disabilities receive the rights, encouragement, and respect they deserve.
Let us honor them by what we achieve.
Thank you."