Disability 20 (D20): Advancing Disability Inclusion Across the G20
Solutions for the Whole Community at the Global Policy Table
The Disability 20 (D20) is a global engagement group that brings the voices, expertise, and leadership of persons with disabilities into G20 policymaking. Hosted in 2026 by the United States under the leadership of the World Institute on Disability (WID), the D20 ensures that disability inclusion is embedded across economic, social, and technological priorities.
Aligned with Global Frameworks
UN CRPD
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
2030 SDGs
Sustainable Development Goals
G20 2026
U.S. Presidency
G20 2027
UK Transition
About the D20
Centering Disability Leadership in G20 Policymaking
The Disability 20 (D20) is an official engagement group within the G20 ecosystem dedicated to ensuring that disability inclusion is integrated into global economic and social policy. The D20 brings together disabled leaders, experts, advocates, and organizations from across all G20 member states and regions.
The D20's Mission:
- Elevate disability rights within G20 priorities
- Produce evidence-based policy recommendations
- Strengthen cross-country collaboration
- Ensure persons with disabilities are represented in global decision-making
The D20 operates in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our Guiding Principles
Disability-Led
Valuing lived experience. The D20 is led, governed, and shaped by people with disabilities — consistent with WID's standard that 71% or more of leadership identifies as disabled.
Pan-Disability Solidarity
Pursuing equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all people with any disability — across every region and country represented in the G20.
Intersectional & Cross-Cultural
Including the full spectrum of identities and the range of privilege, marginalization, and oppression that affect how disabled people are treated.
Accelerating Inclusion
Leading a global effort to eliminate barriers and advance policies that drive inclusion in economies, technologies, and energy systems.
Human Rights Across the Lifespan
Securing and enhancing independent and interdependent livelihoods for the whole community — children, working-age adults, and older persons alike.
Ethics, Integrity & Accountability
Holding ourselves and our G20 partners to uncompromising standards centered on the needs of the most marginalized.
How the d20 works
The D20 functions through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder model anchored by three policy workstreams aligned with U.S. G20 priorities, four cross-cutting themes, global listening sessions, and continuous engagement with sister engagement groups.
Three Policy Workstreams
Aligned with U.S. G20 priorities: Removing Regulatory Burdens; Affordable & Secure Energy Supply Chains; and Inclusive AI & Emerging Technologies.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Accessibility, Gender, Youth, and Data — woven through every workstream and recommendation.
Global Listening Sessions
Open consultations gather stakeholder input across all G20 countries, with particular focus on underrepresented disability communities.
Draft and Final Recommendations
Synthesized into policy proposals submitted directly to G20 leaders ahead of the 2026 Leaders' Summit.
Engagement Group Alignment
Coordinated input with the C20, W20, Y20, B20, L20, and other G20 engagement groups.
Continuity Across Presidencies
Hosted by WID in 2026 and transitioning to the United Kingdom for the 2027 G20 cycle.
D20 Steering Group
The D20 Steering Group provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight for the 2026 cycle. Members include disability leaders, policy experts, and representatives from key organizations across the G20.
The Steering Group:
- Guides workstream direction
- Reviews draft recommendations
- Ensures alignment with CRPD and SDGs
- Supports international coordination and the 2027 handoff to the UK
Advisors & Partners
The D20 collaborates with a global network of partners, including:
- Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs)
- Academic institutions
- Multilateral organizations
- Civil society networks
- G20 engagement groups
- Governmental and diplomatic partners
These partners contribute expertise, research, and regional perspectives that strengthen the D20’s policy recommendations.
Activities and Events
Centering Disability Leadership in G20 Policymaking Survey
The Disability 20 (D20) is committed to ensuring that the voices, priorities, and lived experiences of persons with disabilities directly shape the recommendations submitted to the G20. To support this goal, the D20 Steering Group has launched a global survey, developed using the Alchemer platform, to gather insights from individuals with disabilities and organizations led by persons with disabilities (DPOs).
This survey is open to participants across all G20 countries and regions, as well as global disability advocates whose expertise informs international policy.
The survey is designed to:
- Identify the most pressing barriers persons with disabilities face across economic, social, and technological systems
- Gather recommendations for solutions aligned with the CRPD and SDGs
- Ensure that D20 policy proposals reflect diverse disability communities, including those historically underrepresented
- Strengthen the evidence base for the D20’s 2026 policy recommendations
- Support continuity and global alignment as the D20 transitions to the United Kingdom for the 2027 G20 Presidency
This is a key mechanism for ensuring that the D20 remains disability-led, globally representative, and grounded in real-world experience.
Participants will be invited to share input on:
- Removing Regulatory Burdens - Barriers in public systems, administrative processes, and regulatory frameworks that limit full participation.
- Affordable & Secure Energy Supply Chains - How energy access, affordability, and resilience impact persons with disabilities.
- Inclusive AI & Emerging Technologies - Opportunities and risks related to AI, digital systems, and emerging technologies.
- Cross-Cutting Themes - Accessibility, gender, youth, and data core elements that shape equitable policy.
Survey responses will directly inform:
- Draft D20 recommendations released throughout 2026
- Final recommendations submitted to G20 leaders
- UN COSP side event discussions on 11 June 2026
- Engagement with other G20 groups (C20, W20, Y20, B20, L20)
- Briefings, reports, and public materials produced by the D20
All input will be synthesized into anonymized thematic summaries. No identifying information will be shared without consent.
We encourage participation from:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs)
- Youth-led disability groups
- Organizations representing multiply marginalized disability communities
- Researchers, advocates, and practitioners with disability-related expertise
Your insights are essential to shaping a more inclusive global agenda.
D20 at the UN Conference of States Parties to the CRPD
Join the D20 Steering Group and global disability leaders at the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP). This virtual side event will highlight emerging D20 recommendations, lessons from global listening sessions, and the path toward the 2026 G20 Leaders' Summit.
How to Get Involved
Partner With the D20
We welcome sponsorship, in-kind support, and institutional partnership from foundations, governments, and the private sector to support the D20's work in 2026 and the 2027 UK transition.
Contact: D20CoChairs@wid.org
Contribute Expertise
Researchers, advocates, and practitioners are invited to contribute to workstreams, listening sessions, and draft reviews. Tell us your area of expertise and we will follow up.
Contact: D20CoChairs@wid.org
Donate to Support the D20
WID is fundraising to support D20 activities, including listening sessions, translation, and convenings. Visit our donation page and indicate D20 for your targeted giving.
Contact Us
General contact: D20CoChairs@wid.org
Media inquiries: D20CoChairs@wid.org
Partnership Requests: marcie@wid.org
Accessibility feedback: heather@wid.org
D20 FAQ
What is the D20?
The Disability 20 is a G20 engagement group focused on disability inclusion in global policy.
Who leads the D20 in 2026?
The World Institute on Disability (WID) serves as the host organization for the U.S. G20 Presidency.
How are recommendations developed?
Through workstreams, consultations, listening sessions, and expert review.
How can I participate?
Individuals can join listening sessions, contribute expertise, or apply to join a workstream.
Will the D20 continue after 2026?
Yes. The United Kingdom will host the D20 in 2027 as part of its G20 Presidency.
Is WID fundraising for the D20 activities?
Yes. Visit our donation page and indicate D20 for your targeted giving.