Sharjah will host the 18th edition of Inclusion International’s World Congress 2025 under the theme “We Are Inclusion” from September 15 to 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
The event, being held for the first time in the MENA region, will bring together participants from more than 70 countries to discuss inclusive education, systemic reforms, advocacy, healthcare, legal rights, employment, and community participation.
The congress will highlight the role of research and innovation in creating fairer societies and aligns with the UAE’s efforts to strengthen social and professional inclusion for persons with disabilities.
The country has made significant strides through a national policy framework anchored in education, healthcare, employment, accessibility, and community engagement, supported by Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 and local initiatives across the emirates. Across the UAE, inclusive initiatives have led to the establishment of more than 80 specialised public and private facilities offering education, training, and rehabilitation.
The event comes amid global challenges in ensuring full inclusion. The World Health Organisation notes that people with disabilities face higher risks of poverty, discrimination, and reduced life expectancy, while women with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable to violence. Limited access to healthcare also remains a major concern.
The congress aims to provide a platform to dismantle barriers, promote supportive legislation, and advance the principle of “health and dignity for all,” reaffirming inclusion as a cornerstone of sustainable development.