Second World Summit for Social Development: How do we tackle inequality in the new global context?

Join us at the  Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar from 4-6 November for our solution sessions on:

How do we tackle inequality in the new global context?  5 speakers. 5 perspectives. A live and interactive audience discussion and solutions session. 

5 speakers with 5 unique perspectives will explore how to protect the rights of people with disabilities in the new global context. We’ll be opening the floor during this solutions session, asking questions and comments from the audience, to bring new and different voices to the table. Today geopolitics has shifted. Disabled people are among the most marginalised, especially where intersectional vulnerabilities arise. Join us to hear from emerging and established voices to reflect on what next, and why it’s more important than ever that efforts to challenge inequality are founded within this new global context.

About

Over the last decade social justice for disability has evolved on the global stage – with growth across research, partnerships, innovation, accelerated assistive technology provision, systems strengthening interventions and political will - to make a more just world for disabled people and all people. 

New opportunities have supported more disabled people to access life changing assistive technology, their rights, safety, empowerment and economic opportunity – however as the world convenes towards for empowerment, eradication of poverty and the realisation of human rights we reach a fundamental crossroad. The world has changed. Geopolitics has shifted, and the weight of this trend is felt most acutely at the sharp end. Disabled people are among the most marginalised, especially where intersectional vulnerabilities emerge. As aid budgets are placed under increasing pressure, and EDI commitments are eroded, it’s more important than ever that efforts to challenge inequality are founded within this new global context. 

The session will explore what’s worked, working and what the opportunities are to accelerate a more just world for disabled people and all people. We will platform emerging and established voices to explore live themes ranging from Meaningful Participation, Finance & the Private Sector, Participatory Research & Impact, Policy & Youth Voice.  

From the importance of aligning Assistive Technology interventions to a disability justice framework (itself seen within a wider framework of justice for all people) to innovation beyond the boundaries of economic orthodoxy – we'll look at why forging new pathways to achieve global prosperity matter. 

Join us

• Tuesday 4 November,15:00-16:15, Room 5
• This event will take place in person, in Doha, Qatar at the Second World Summit for Social Development

Atif Sheikh, Special Talent Exchange Program, Pakistan 

Bio: Muhammad Atif Sheikh, a renowned disability-inclusive development advocate, serving Pakistan for over 20 years. Born with a physical disability, passionately dedicated his life for empowerment of disabled citizens. To mainstream disability into development, Atif founded ‘Special Talent Exchange Program ‘(STEP) that is run by persons with disabilities themselves since 1997. STEP, the only disabled people’s organization in South Asia, appointed as a special consultative status to the economic and social council in the United Nations. 

Kirana Putri Prastika, Kota Kita, Indonesia 

Bio: Kirana is a program officer for Urban Inclusivity Initiative in Kota Kita. With her background in geography, she applies spatial thinking into inclusive city initiatives by examining how people and spaces interact – using tools such as spatial data analysis and participatory mapping. Together with Kota Kita, she also co-develops participatory approaches to promote meaningful participation and equal rights and opportunities for all, including women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities towards a more inclusive city. 

Pollyanna Wardrop, GDI Hub, United Kingdom  

Bio: Pollyanna is a Senior Researcher for GDI Hub specialising in private sector strategy and practice and financial inclusion of people with disabilities; mainly delivering research and consultancy for Multilateral Development Bank and Financial Services Stakeholders. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at University College London (UCL), and prior to working for GDI Hub was a Senior Analyst at Financial Services Culture Board (FSBC), responsible for managing and conducting research and reporting on firms’ organisational cultures to help raise standards of behaviour and competence across the financial services sector, for the benefits of customers, clients and society. 

Elly Savatia, Signvrse, Kenya 

Bio: Elly Savatia is the Founder and CEO of Signvrse, a social enterprise using AI and 3D avatars to bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities across sectors like education, healthcare, and employment. A Mandela Washington Fellow and recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Commonwealth Innovation Award and Kenya’s Presidential Innovation Award. Elly has been recognized globally for his contributions to assistive and educational technologies. His work is driven by a passion for using technology to break barriers and foster inclusion, with aspirations to expand Signvrse beyond East Africa and champion global accessibility.

Fatma Al Jassim, Independent Consultant and UN Youth Advocate, United Arab Emirates 

Bio: Fatma Al Jassim is an Emirati pioneer and medalist, internationally certified in accessibility and disability rights. She has served as a UN youth delegate and is widely recognized for her leadership and policy advocacy. Honored as the most influential leader with a disability in the region, Fatma continues to drive change as a Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Consultant, working with governments, private institutions, and individuals worldwide