Say YES to disability! With this global message, we joined two international events – the Global Disability Summit in Berlin and the Zero Project Conference in Vienna. What did they have in common? The real presence of people with disabilities, the courage to speak openly about barriers, and practical actions for a more inclusive world.

So what exactly happened? Here’s the story from Agata Robińska, who represented our foundation. Her voice and perspective are the most powerful testimony:

Global Disability Summit 2025

“At the Global Disability Summit, I felt what a world without barriers could truly be like. Among more than 4,500 participants – from organisations, governments, and businesses – there were so many people with disabilities. ‘Nothing about us without us’ isn’t just a slogan anymore. It’s daily reality,” recalls Agata.

One experience that particularly moved her was the Silent Tears exhibition, which told the stories of women with disabilities who have survived violence. According to UN Women, they are 2–3 times more likely to face such abuse.

“One of the summit’s key outcomes was the Amman-Berlin Declaration – at least 15% of national development projects should include people with disabilities. More than 800 new commitments were made,” she reports.

“These actions will be evaluated in 2028 – and as Robin Tim Weis from Zero Project reminded us by quoting Sartre: ‘Commitment is action, not words.’ So every action counts,” Agata emphasizes.
 
The Zero Project Conference 2025

“It was my first time attending the Zero Project Conference – an incredible event with nearly 1,500 participants from around the world, all united by a vision of a world without barriers,” says Agata.

Over three days, Agata felt the full potential of inclusive action – even in networking, thanks to the b2match platform. “The voices of people with disabilities – especially young ones – were heard and celebrated. Ghada Waly (UN) shared a message full of optimism,” she adds.

Accessibility was another central theme. “Global leaders spoke powerfully about it – Jenny Lay-Flurrie (Microsoft), Christopher Patnoe (Google), and Michael Buckley (Be My Eyes), alongside many inspiring startups – including ones from Poland. I was proud to see Paweł Potakowski and Sylwia Daniłowska on stage,” Agata recalls.

“Many speakers highlighted that fear of making mistakes shouldn’t block progress. One quote that stayed with me was from Howard Taylor – about the importance of open-minded leadership and the role of reasonable accommodations in the workplace.”
 
Let’s say YES to disability – together!

For our foundation, participating in global events brings inspiration, good practices to share with our partners, and – above all – meaningful connections with people from around the world who are always ready to say YES!

– The YES team