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Not on the guest list: people with disabilities and the Millennium Development Goals

When world leaders established the eight MDGs for reducing poverty, they left out one in five of the world’s poorest people.

This is not as surprising as it sounds. People with disabilities have consistently faced discrimination and disadvantage, which is why 82% of those with disabilities live below the poverty line and comprise one of the largest single groups of excluded and chronically poor people in the world.

This paper sets out the context for addressing disability in the MDGs. It highlights the growing international momentum for including disability in development and makes recommendations on how donors, partner governments and civil society can include people with disabilities in the global drive to achieve the MDGs.

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Sightsavers and disability rights
A woman in a wheelchair speaks into a microphone alongside a panel. The Global Disability logo is in the background.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Disability and inclusion /

In pictures: Sightsavers at the Global Disability Summit 2025

A photo round-up of our favourite moments from the third summit, where world leaders and activists united to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Veronica Stapleton.
Sightsavers blog

To achieve quality education for all, disability inclusion is critical

At the CIES conference, there were many examples of innovative uses of digital technology, but strategies for reaching children with disabilities were rarely discussed.

Veronica Stapleton, April 2025
Sightsavers' employee Hannah smiles at the camera with the sea in the background.
Sightsavers blog

As Global Disability Summit 2025 ends, can world leaders deliver on promises and target inequality?

After seven years and three summits, are we making the progress we so vitally need?

Hannah Loryman, April 2025