The 18th Inclusion International World Congress, themed “We Are Inclusion,” will kick off on Monday, September 15, at Expo Centre Sharjah, marking its historic debut in the MENA region. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, this three-day global event is set to unite over 850 participants from 74 countries, including self-advocates, families, professionals, and representatives from more than 125 organizations, to champion the rights and empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities.
Organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in collaboration with Inclusion International and supported by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the congress will feature 59 discussion panels with 152 speakers, including UN representatives, government ministers, senior policymakers, academics, and prominent self-advocates. The event aims to address critical topics such as inclusive education, employment, healthcare, legal frameworks, and self-advocacy, fostering actionable recommendations for equitable and inclusive policies worldwide.
Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, emphasized, “Hosting this congress in Sharjah reflects our vision of building communities where people with intellectual disabilities have a real voice in shaping policies and decisions.” She highlighted the emirate’s inclusive infrastructure and long-standing advocacy as key reasons for its selection as the host city.
The congress will also spotlight global achievements, such as the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the UAE’s Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, while addressing challenges like access to healthcare and economic inclusion. With 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, the event underscores the urgency of transforming inclusion from aspiration to action, aligning with sustainable development goals.