Sharjah Hosts World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” Events

The Emirate of Sharjah marked a historic moment as it launched the pre-conference events of the World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion”, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The events, held from September 15 to 17, 2025, brought together self-advocates, families, and international experts to discuss ways to support and include persons with intellectual disabilities in communities around the world.

Sharjah is hosting the World Congress for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, sending a powerful message about the Emirate’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and support for persons with intellectual disabilities. This Congress is organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in collaboration with Inclusion International, with the strategic partnership of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB).

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Pre-Conference Activities: Self-Advocacy Summit and Family Summit

Before the official programme of the Congress begins, Sharjah welcomed around 270 participants, including self-advocates, families, and experts, to two special pre-conference events: the Self-Advocacy Summit and the Family Summit. These gatherings were designed to give participants a platform to share their experiences, discuss key issues, and contribute to shaping the Congress agenda.

Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, emphasized the importance of including self-advocates and families from the start. She noted that these preliminary events allow participants to exchange knowledge on education, employment, community involvement, and leadership, ensuring the Congress truly reflects their voices.

Self-Advocacy Summit

The Self-Advocacy Summit was held at the Pullman Sharjah Hotel, Al Dana Ballroom, with around 180 self-advocates in attendance. The event was officially opened by Chaica Al Qassimi and Dominique Kantor, who welcomed the participants and introduced the day’s programme.

Key Sessions and Discussions

1. Keynote Speech by Luis Gabriel Villareal
   Luis Gabriel Villareal, Vice President of Inclusion International, delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of self-advocacy. He highlighted how persons with intellectual disabilities can raise their voices, influence decision-making, and create change in society.

2. Speakers: Big Topics in Our Lives
   Participants discussed several critical topics affecting their daily lives, including:

   • Inclusive education and learning opportunities for all.

   • Real jobs with fair pay and meaningful employment.

   • Moving away from institutions to live fully in communities.

   • Voting rights and political participation.

   • The importance of good support systems, especially from families.

3. How We Fight for Our Rights
   Self-advocates shared strategies for effective advocacy, including engaging with governments, using media, and spreading awareness to protect and promote their rights.

4. How We Use Our Big Messages as Leaders
   This session explored leadership among persons with intellectual disabilities. Participants learned how to communicate their messages effectively and take on leadership roles in their communities.

5. Interactive Group Activity
   The summit concluded with a creative activity where participants made posters about leadership. This hands-on session encouraged collaboration, creativity, and reflection on the role of self-advocates as leaders.

Family Summit

The Family Summit took place at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al Barajeel Hall, bringing together around 90 families, experts, and leaders. The focus of this summit was on family engagement, leadership, and promoting inclusion at multiple levels.

Sessions and Key Highlights

1. Vision to Action
   Participants discussed the gap between vision and reality, addressing the challenges families face at local, national, and regional levels. The session highlighted the practical steps needed to transform ideas into meaningful action.

2. Opportunities to Advance Our Agenda
   Families were introduced to the Global Care and Support Agenda and how they can use it to advocate for inclusion and access to services.

3. Family Leadership
   This session emphasized the crucial role of family members, including siblings, in supporting advocacy efforts. It explored ways families can develop leadership skills and overcome barriers to inclusion.

4. Strengthening the Network
   Participants learned how to build strong support networks, mentor future leaders, and engage partners to ensure ongoing advocacy and inclusion efforts.

5. Resources for Families
   The final session shared tools and resources provided by Inclusion International to assist families in their advocacy and support efforts.

World Congress 2025: “We Are Inclusion”

The World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” is held every four years and is the largest global event of Inclusion International. Its 18th edition is significant as it is the first time the Congress is hosted in the Arab world. The event aims to unite experts, families, and advocates from around the globe to exchange ideas, discuss policies, and promote community inclusion for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Participation and Programme

The Congress brings together:

• Representatives from 74 countries

• 125 organisations

• 134 self-advocates

• 152 speakers

• 59 sessions

• Over 531 participants

The Congress features a rich agenda of sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions covering topics like education, employment, leadership, community participation, and policy development. It provides a platform where voices of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families are heard, ensuring that their experiences guide future inclusion policies.

Sharjah’s Commitment to Inclusion

Hosting this Congress reflects Sharjah’s dedication to inclusion and empowerment. By bringing global experts and local communities together, the Emirate strengthens its role as a leader in advocating for the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities. The pre-conference events, including the Self-Advocacy Summit and the Family Summit, highlight Sharjah’s focus on early engagement, ensuring that both self-advocates and families play an active role in shaping the Congress’s goals and outcomes.

The pre-conference activities of the World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” in Sharjah have successfully set the stage for an impactful and inclusive event. The participation of self-advocates, families, and global experts demonstrates a collective commitment to promoting equality, empowerment, and leadership opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. As the Congress officially unfolds, Sharjah is positioned at the heart of global discussions on inclusion, making history as the first Arab city to host this prestigious international event.