Timeline: Key Events in GPDD's Development:

December 2002

The concept of a global partnership focusing on disability and economic development emerges through informal discussions at the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons at the World Bank, under the leadership of Mrs. Judy Heumann

May 2003 – May 2004

A series of meetings are held in Rome, Durban, Helsinki, and Washington, to determine the mission, areas of focus, structure, and organization of a global partnership for disability and economic development.

December 2004

Representatives from various stakeholder groups form a Coordinating Task Force and create Thematic Working Groups on Poverty Reduction and Disability; Education; and Disasters, Emergencies and Conflicts.

February 2005

GPDD Declaration of Purpose is adopted

September 2005

Coordinating Task Force meets in person during a Business Plan meeting at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following frequent correspondence through audio conferences.

May 2006

GPDD Task Force meets in Washington, DC to further clarify GPDD's structure, organization, management, and operational budget.

In consultation with the World Bank's Senior Vice President of the Human Development Network (HDN), the decision is made to establish a GPDD Secretariat to manage GPDD's affairs, activities, and interaction with the Bank.

January-February 2007

A Task Force planning meeting is held at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India, in New Delhi.

Task Force approves a draft GPDD Charter, adopts a 3 year work plan of activities, and holds discussions with donor representatives.

January 2008

The World Bank signs an agreement with the Burton Blatt Institute: Centers of Innovation on Disability at Syracuse University (BBI) to host the GPDD Secretariat.

María Verónica Reina is selected to serve as the Executive Director of the GPDD.

May 2008

First GPDD Membership Meeting hosted in Frankfurt, Germany.

October 2009

Second GPDD Membership Meeting hosted in Turin, Italy.

Election of full Board of Directors

Meeting Archives