By Lloydson G. Flomo
MONROVIA, April 12 (LINA) – The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), Samuel S. Dean, is urging the Liberian Government to fully implement the Amman Berlin Declaration, which advocates for substantial investments in disability inclusion, particularly in the Global South.
The declaration was a key outcome of the 2025 Global Disability Summit held recently in Berlin, Germany.
It calls on countries to dedicate at least 15% of their development budgets to disability-inclusive programs, ensuring the voices and needs of people with disabilities are not only considered but prioritized.
Speaking during a press conference at the NCD head office on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, upon his return from the summit, Dean described the global gathering as a critical platform for advocacy, collaboration, and celebrating progress in disability rights.
He emphasized that the declaration represents a turning point in global efforts to close the US$4 trillion financing gap that continues to marginalize persons with disabilities.
“Liberia’s endorsement of the Amman Berlin Declaration signals our commitment to bridging long-standing gaps in disability development,” Dean said, adding, “Imagine the transformative impact if Liberia allocated 15% of its national budget to support disability inclusion, it would be a bold step toward ensuring that no one is left behind.”
During the summit’s opening session, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described inclusion as a “fundamental human right,” while Jordan’s King Abdullah II underscored the need for global collaboration to secure dignity and hope for persons with disabilities.
The Liberian delegation to the summit was led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeddi Mowbray Armah and included Samuel Sumo Dean, Sr., Executive Director of the NCD and Chief Inclusivity Officer of Liberia as well as Noah Zawu Gibson, Deputy Managing Director of the National Transit Authority.
Dean said the summit featured a range of activities, including main events, side events, exhibitions, and expert panels.
The Liberian team, he noted, ensured active participation in high-level discussions on key topics such as public participation of persons with disabilities, data collection, and disability-inclusive development.
“Our delegation strategically divided responsibilities to engage in the most impactful sessions. We attended critical panels and ensured Liberia’s voice was heard at both the opening and closing events,” Dean explained.
According to him, the Commission remains at the forefront of advocating for inclusive policies and programs that empower persons with disabilities in Liberia.
The National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) is an autonomous agency established by an Act of the Liberian Legislature on November 23, 2005, and officially enacted on December 29, 2005.