Zero Project Conference 2026 highlights global innovations for disability inclusion

UNIS/INF/591
18 February 2026

VIENNA, 18 February (UN Information Service) - The Zero Project Conference 2026, organized by the Essl Foundation, will be held at the Vienna International Centre from 18-20 February 2026 with the support of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). The annual conference highlights and shares practical, scalable solutions that remove barriers and that improve the daily lives and legal rights of people with disabilities.

The Conference (#ZeroCon26) will focus on accessibility and information and communication technologies (ICT). A further thematic focus, crisis response, has been selected to address emerging global challenges.

The Acting Director-General of UNOV/Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino said: "The UN Office at Vienna is proud to continue supporting the Zero Project Conference, which provides a unique space to showcase new ideas on accessibility, drive innovation and inspire lasting change. This year's conference also comes at a symbolic time, with 2026 marking the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As we reflect on this anniversary and the progress that has been made, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of people with disabilities."

The Founder and Chairman of the Board, Essl Foundation, Martin Essl said: "Innovation and collaboration are key for disability inclusion. The year 2026 will mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the CRPD, and while significant progress has been made, there is still a lot to be done. The Zero Project Network grows stronger every year and, across all research cycles, has identified 1,035 Awardees, continuously proving that collaboration is the most effective way to remove barriers. The Zero Project Network and its Awardees demonstrate that solutions exist around the world, and that there is a shared responsibility, effort, and benefit for society in ensuring that every person can fully participate."

The long-standing partnership between UNOV/UNODC and the Essl Foundation has contributed to fostering global dialogue and knowledge-sharing on disability inclusion and innovation. This collaboration has supported the development of the Zero Project Conference as a cross-sectoral platform bringing together policymakers, experts, practitioners and innovators from around the world. The Essl Foundation and UNOV/UNODC reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening this cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2025.

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About the Zero Project

The Zero Project is an initiative by the non-profit Essl Foundation based in Vienna, Austria. Worldwide, the Zero Project finds and shares solutions that improve the daily lives and legal rights of all people with disabilities.

The Zero Project's approach is research-driven and aims to identify, curate, and share inclusive solutions, as intended and encouraged by Article 32 of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). To achieve this objective, the Zero Project engages with a worldwide cross-sectoral network of innovators, decision-makers, and opinion leaders. https://zeroproject.org/

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For information, please contact:

Judith Hermetter
Global Head of Communications, Zero Project
Email: press[at]zeroproject.org

Robin Tim Weis
Executive Director, Zero Project
Email: r.weis[at]zeroproject.org

United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna
Email: press.vienna[at]un.org