Assisi Hosts First G7 Summit on Inclusion and Disability

On 14th October, the historic town of Assisi, Italy—birthplace of Saint Francis—hosted the inaugural G7 Summit focused on Inclusion and Disability. Representatives from Italy, Canada, the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom came together with individuals with disabilities, their families, and over 100 NGOs and charities to discuss and reflect on the importance of accessibility in social, cultural, economic, civil, and political life.

A Collaborative Approach to Inclusion

Alessandra Locatelli, Italy’s Minister for Disabilities, addressed her fellow ministers, emphasising the need for collaboration between different sectors. She stated:

“Dear Ministers, here are people with disabilities, families, NGOs, because only together—institutions, associations and the private sector—we will be able to do more and better. This is our challenge for the future.”

Italian MS Society’s Participation

The Italian MS Society also had a significant presence at the summit, with delegates and volunteers attending the discussions. Rachele Michelacci, the National Vice President, shared her optimism about the event:

“It’s wonderful to take part in this first G7 dedicated to the rights of people with disabilities. We will return home aware of the challenges we must face, and with the hope that today is just the beginning of a more inclusive and accessible world, where everything begins and ends with the dignity of people.”

The Charter of Solfagnano: A Blueprint for Inclusion

A key outcome of the G7 Summit was the release of the Charter of Solfagnano, a document inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This charter outlines the priorities for any political agenda aiming to achieve true inclusivity. It serves as a guide for future policies that aspire to make societies more accessible and equitable for all.

Continuing the Journey: Beyond the G7 Summit

The G7 Summit was not a one-off event. It marks the beginning of an ongoing effort, particularly for the Italian MS Society, which plays an active role in the National Observatory on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through daily advocacy, the society works to support individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related conditions, advancing the goals set out in the MS Agenda 2025. This agenda prioritises achieving full accessibility and inclusion for those affected by MS.

With the G7 Summit as a catalyst for change, the hope is that this marks a new chapter in the global push for a more inclusive world—where the dignity of every individual is at the forefront of societal progress.