International policy frameworks and conventions on humanitarian action demand the inclusion of people with disabilities. However, in reality, people with disabilities continue to be left behind when emergencies strike.

In this event we will explore:

• the causes of the gap between policy and practice, as well as how barriers affecting persons with disabilities in emergencies can be identified and removed
• prerequisites of empowerment, meaningful participation, and capacity strengthening
• the role of data, innovation, co-creation and collaboration in humanitarian action in advancing these objectives
• the implications the humanitarian reset has on these questions

Examples from Mozambique and Burkina Faso will illustrate what this means in practice across different contexts. Moreover, the Zero Project Crisis Response report will be launched at this event, underlining good practices across numerous continents, when it comes to providing dignity — and removing barriers — in times of crisis to persons with disabilities.

Agenda

15:30 – 16:00	Soft check-in
16:00 – 18:00	Panel discussion (with welcome note by Marion Lieser CEO, Light for the World)
18:00 – 19:00	Networking with drinks

The event will be held in English and moderated by Ioanna Tsigiridi, ELHRA.

About the speakers

• Clodoaldo Castiano is the Executive Director of the Forum of Mozambican Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FAMOD), and a member of the National Human Rights Commission of Mozambique. He focuses on analysing public policies for inclusion, advocacy and strategic planning. For nearly a decade, Clodoaldo has been leading disability advocacy initiatives in Mozambique, including passing Mozambique’s first national disability law in 2024.
• Michael Fembek is the CEO of the Zero Project. As a former business journalist, he has initiated and developed the Zero Project since 2008.  Since 2022 Michael Fembek is responsible for strategy, international cooperation and communications on the Board of Directors of the Essl Foundation. He is head of the Disability Thematic Network of Philea, the leading European Association of foundations.
• Ghislain Tihanibé Hien is a Project Manager at Light for the World Burkina Faso. He currently manages the project “IMPACT-BF” and its inclusive measures for people affected by crisis in Burkina Faso. This project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency as part of International Partnerships Austria and has received a Zero Project Award as an innovative solution for disability inclusion.
• Nurten Yilmaz is a Programme Specialist for Disability Inclusive Humanitarian Action at UNICEF. Based in Nairobi, she works across emergency and protracted crises to advance rights-based, inclusive programming for children with disabilities. Her expertise includes programme design and management, policy engagement, and partnerships with governments, civil society, and multilateral actors to promote equitable and inclusive humanitarian action.
• Ioanna Tsigiridi is the Innovation Manager for Disability and Older Age Inclusion at Elrha’s Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF). She shapes HIF’s strategic priorities on disability and age inclusion, supporting partners to integrate inclusion, and contributing to sector-wide learning. Ioanna is committed to advancing disability inclusion, gender equality and fundamental rights through collaborative, evidence-driven humanitarian action.

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Registration

Registration closed on 11 February 2026.

Please note:

• The venue is accessible for wheelchairs. Please inform us about accessibility and other needs we should consider via e-mail (N.Grossenbacher@licht-fuer-die-welt.at).
• By participating in this event, you expressly agree to the photo and/or video recordings and consent to the distribution of the photo and/or video recordings in line with the organizational policies of Light for the World.

Contact

Nadja Grossenbacher
N.Grossenbacher@licht-fuer-die-welt.at

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