Zimbabwe from 3 to 5 December, 2025, will host the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference in Bulawayo.

In a statement, the event  spokesperson, Josiah Kaharin said the milestone event which will bring together various stakeholders , will be held under the theme"Helping People to  Help Themselves:Global Unity-Shared Progress".

The organisers include Capacity Building Centre for Africa, the Lawyers with Disabilities Association of Zimbabwe and Silveira House of the Jesuits in Southern Africa, with the support of the government of Zimbabwe.

" This pivotal gathering, themed “Helping People to Help Themselves: Global Unity – Shared Progress,” brings together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to advancing disability-inclusive development across Zimbabwe, Africa, and the globe.The three-day conference is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Capacity Building Centre for Africa, the Lawyers with Disabilities Association of Zimbabwe, and Silveira House of the Jesuits in Southern Africa, with strong support of the Government of Zimbabwe,"said Kahari.

"The event coincides with the United Nations’ annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, underscoring its global significance."

Kahari, said the conference aims to be more than a ceremonial commemoration.

“This is a platform for action  for we  are bringing together voices from across sectors and borders to share best practices, propose innovative solutions, and make concrete commitments to disability inclusion.”A Convergence of Minds and Missions."

"The conference is expected to draw a wide spectrum of participants, including persons with disabilities, government officials, parliamentarians, academics, legal experts, healthcare professionals, educators, financial institutions, employers, and representatives from civil society, religious and traditional leadership, and international development agencies. Delegates from countries such as South Africa, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will also be in attendance, adding a rich cross-border dimension to the discussions.Speakers will include representatives from the Parliament of Zimbabwe, various government ministries, United Nations agencies, and foreign embassies,"said Kahari.He added:

Their contributions will focus on aligning national and regional disability policies with global frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Disability Protocol, and Zimbabwe’s own National Disability Policy, launched by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe on 9 June, 2021."

The conference’s agenda is both ambitious and inclusive. It seeks to foster dialogue on how to integrate disability considerations into development cooperation, promote inclusive education and employment, and ensure access to healthcare and legal services for persons with disabilities. Workshops and panel discussions will explore how to dismantle systemic barriers and create enabling environments that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive.A unique feature of the event is its emphasis on experiential learning and networking.

Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in leisure activities at the nearby Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo. These excursions are designed not only to showcase Zimbabwe’s natural beauty but also to encourage informal exchanges and relationship-building among participants.

In a joint statement, the organizing bodies emphasized the importance of balancing celebration with substance. “International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations foster a sense of community, making disability inclusion a relatable and engaging issue."

“But the core value of this day lies in its ability to promote learning, discussion, and action—driving progress toward the goals it represents.

The organizers are calling on all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and international partners—to use the conference as a springboard for deeper collaboration and sustained commitment. “We must move beyond rhetoric,” the statement continued. “This is a moment to align our efforts, share our expertise, and coordinate our actions to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The  conference comes at a time when disability rights are gaining increased attention in policy and development circles. Yet, challenges remain. Many persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination, limited access to services, and exclusion from economic and social opportunities. The Bulawayo conference seeks to confront these issues head-on, offering a space for honest dialogue, strategic planning, and collective action.As the world marks the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Bulawayo stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Through this conference, Zimbabwe is not only reaffirming its commitment to inclusion but also positioning itself as a regional leader in the global movement for disability rights.