G7 "Inclusion and Disability" and International Relations
First G7 "Inclusion and Disability" Ministerial Meeting
Under the Italian G7 Presidency, the first-ever G7 Ministerial Meeting dedicated to Inclusion and Disability took place in Umbria on 14, 15, and 16 October 2024.
The event provided a high-level platform to align strategies and international commitments aimed at combating discrimination and ensuring the full civil, social, economic, and political participation of persons with disabilities, promoting the Italian regulatory model on an international scale.
The event schedule developed as follows:
14 October 2024 (Assisi): Public welcoming ceremony for international delegations with the participation of Third Sector organizations;
15 October 2024 (Solfagnano Castle): Preparatory session involving national and international non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups;
16 October 2024: Adoption of the Final Declaration, officially designated as the "Solfagnano Charter", establishing joint commitments across eight core priority action areas;
17 October 2024: Official Papal Audience at the Vatican, during which the Solfagnano Charter was presented to the Holy Father.
The Solfagnano Charter
Originating from the guidance of the G7 Leaders' Summit held in Borgo Egnazia (June 2024), the Solfagnano Charter embeds the core principle "Nothing About Us Without Us". It underscores that direct consultation with persons with disabilities, their families, and representative organizations is essential for designing effective public policies and driving sustainable socio-cultural reform.
The Charter identifies eight priority areas:
Inclusion in political agendas: Positioning disability rights at the forefront of national policy frameworks;
Universal accessibility: Ensuring comprehensive accessibility to physical environments, public services, and information platforms;
Autonomous and independent living: Fostering conditions that enable individual autonomy and independent living choices;
Talent empowerment and employment inclusion: Developing professional skills and expanding labor market integration;
Promoting assistive technologies: Leveraging innovative technologies and AI to enhance personal autonomy;
Cultural, recreational, and sports participation: Guaranteeing equal access to sports, leisure, and cultural activities;
Community-based services and human dignity: Strengthening community care frameworks and advancing deinstitutionalization;
Emergency preparedness and crisis management: Protecting persons with disabilities during natural disasters, climate crises, armed conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies.
In addition to G7 Member Ministers, the summit convened international organizations, subject-matter experts, and invited partner countries (Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, and Vietnam).
Memoranda of Understanding
To strengthen bilateral cooperation and international relations on disability policies, the following Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:
Türkiye (29 April 2025): Agreement to develop joint initiatives, share information, expertise, and best practices;
Armenia (20 June 2025): MoU focused on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities;
Ukraine (11 July 2025): Financial commitment of 1.5 million euros supporting the "Inclusion First" program, dedicated to the protection, labor integration, and welfare of children with disabilities;
Algeria (24 July 2025): Bilateral framework for the protection and support of persons with disabilities.