Vienna, Austria | February 18–20, 2026
Best Buddies International was honored to be invited to attend the Zero Project Conference 2026, one of the world’s leading convenings focused on advancing disability inclusion through scalable, innovative solutions. Held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, the conference brought together more than 1,000 leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and advocates from across the globe, all united by a shared commitment to building more inclusive systems.
Representing Best Buddies International, Jenny Allen, Vice President of International Programs and Development, and Emma Zagar, Director of International Development, attended on behalf of the International Programs & Development team. Their participation reinforced Best Buddies’ position as a global leader in advancing inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and strengthened the organization’s presence within international policy and innovation spaces.
Advancing Inclusive Solutions
Throughout the multi-day conference, sessions highlighted forward-thinking, evidence-based practices across key focus areas, including accessibility, information and communication technology (ICT), employment inclusion, and crisis response. Presenters shared scalable models designed to dismantle barriers and expand equitable opportunities for people with disabilities across sectors and regions.
For Best Buddies, these discussions directly align with the growth and evolution of international Jobs and Transitions programming. Insights around technology-enabled inclusion, workforce participation, and public-private partnerships provided a valuable perspective as the organization continues expanding employment pathways worldwide. The conference also emphasized the importance of measurable impact, cross-sector collaboration, and policy alignment — all critical components of sustainable international program development.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Beyond formal sessions, the conference offered meaningful opportunities to connect with global partners, disability advocates, and mission-aligned organizations. Jenny and Emma engaged in strategic conversations exploring potential collaborations, knowledge exchange, and opportunities to elevate Best Buddies’ model within international forums.
Participation in the Zero Project Conference underscores Best Buddies International’s commitment not only to program delivery, but to global thought leadership. By actively engaging in spaces where innovation and policy intersect, the organization ensures it remains informed by global best practices while contributing its own expertise in community-based inclusion.
Looking Ahead
The insights, partnerships, and global connections cultivated in Vienna will continue to inform Best Buddies’ international strategy. As the organization expands across countries and strengthens employment and leadership pathways for individuals with IDD, engagement in global convenings like the Zero Project Conference plays a critical role in advancing innovative, inclusive solutions.
Looking ahead, Best Buddies is also exploring opportunities to engage more deeply with the Zero Project community. The upcoming Zero Project Conference 2027 includes a focus on independent living, which closely aligns with both our Living and Transitions programs. As we continue to expand internationally, these programs reflect the type of innovative, scalable solutions the Zero Project seeks to elevate, supporting disabilities to build skills for independent living, employment, and meaningful participation in their communities.
Best Buddies International is proud to stand alongside global changemakers and looks forward to translating the momentum from Vienna into continued impact across its international network.
