Sharjah:Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the highly anticipated World Congress 2025: “We Are Inclusion” will officially commence tomorrow (Monday) at Expo Centre Sharjah. The landmark global event, organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, and in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, is set to place global focus on inclusion and the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities.
Taking place from September 15 to 17, this year’s congress is shaping up to be one of the largest and most diverse gatherings of its kind, featuring 59 panel discussions, 152 speakers, 134 self-advocates, 125 organisations, and more than 500 participants from 74 countries.
Global Participation Highlights Shared Commitment to Inclusion
Reflecting the event’s international scope, participation spans all continents. The Middle East leads with 151 delegates, followed by Africa (112), Asia (93), Europe (66), and the Americas (56). Nationally, the UAE tops the list with 112 participants, followed by Mauritius (48), Japan (33), Canada (23), Egypt (19), and South Korea (13). Kuwait and the United States each have 12 participants, while the United Kingdom is represented by 11 delegates.To ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all, the congress will offer simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish across all sessions.
Parallel Summits and Inclusive Tools
Preceding the main congress, the Family Summit and Self-Advocates Summit began today at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pullman Hotel, respectively. The week will conclude on Thursday, September 18, with the General Assembly meetings of Inclusion International, also held across both venues.A notable feature of the event is the use of the internationally recognised “traffic light cards”—a simple, effective tool for promoting accessible and respectful dialogue. These cards empower participants to indicate their understanding and comfort levels during sessions, fostering truly inclusive conversations.
Emirati Culture Takes Centre Stage
Highlighting Sharjah’s role as a cultural bridge, the congress will host a special Emirati Heritage Day, developed in cooperation with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Al Bataeh Municipality, and the Sharjah Maritime Museum. Delegates will experience traditional Emirati hospitality, heritage workshops, local cuisine, handicrafts, and maritime displays—offering a vibrant introduction to the UAE’s cultural legacy.
Books, Wellness, and Cultural Immersion
The congress will also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the University of Al Dhaid, and the launch of a new book focused on strategies for supporting children, families, and communities during times of stress and crisis.
A rich cultural programme will run throughout the event, including film screenings, exhibitions, yoga sessions, and wellness activities tailored especially for self-advocates and their families. The holistic approach emphasises not only intellectual empowerment but also physical and emotional well-being.
Evening excursions will offer delegates guided visits to iconic locations such as the Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah Maritime Museum, Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Rain Room, and Souq Al Arsah. Designated relaxation zones within the venue will provide self-advocates with quiet spaces to recharge and connect informally.
A Global Call for Inclusion
As the world gathers in Sharjah, the World Congress 2025 stands as a powerful reminder of the global movement toward equity, respect, and full inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. With its blend of policy, culture, advocacy, and wellness, the congress represents a transformative step forward in shaping a world where “We Are Inclusion” is not just a theme—but a shared reality.
