We Are Inclusion Congress To Be Held In Sharjah This Sept

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

Sharjah is getting ready to host a very important global event called “We Are Inclusion.” This event is organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) along with Inclusion International. It will take place from September 15 to 17, 2025, under the kind support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who is the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

This event is special because it is happening for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. It shows that Sharjah is doing a lot of good work to help people with intellectual disabilities and is trusted by the world for such important events.

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What Is ‘We Are Inclusion’?

‘We Are Inclusion’ is the 18th World Congress of Inclusion International. This congress happens once every four years. It has been taking place since 1963. Before this, it was held in countries like the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Kenya. Now it is coming to Sharjah, which makes it a proud moment for the UAE.

This congress brings together people from all over the world. It will have 83 sessions in three days. These sessions will help people learn about new ways to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Special Events Before The Congress Starts

Before the official opening on September 15, there will be some special events. On September 14, there will be a Self-Advocacy Summit. In this summit, 280 self-advocates from different countries will take part. A self-advocate is a person with an intellectual disability who speaks up for their rights and shares their views to make life better for themselves and others like them.

On the same day, there will also be a Families Summit. In this summit, 140 families of people with disabilities will come together. Many important guests, senior officials, and experts will also join them. They will talk about how families can support their loved ones better and how society can become kinder and more inclusive for them.

Why Is This Congress Important?

This congress is the main event of Inclusion International. It will bring together a large number of people from all five continents. These people include:

• Self-advocacy groups

• Family groups

• Healthcare and education providers

• Social service institutions

• Inclusive businesses

• Development organisations

• Government leaders

• Policy experts

They will all share their experiences, ideas, and suggestions to help people with intellectual disabilities live better lives.

Focus On Self-Advocates

One of the most special parts of this congress is that it focuses a lot on self-advocates. These are the people who have intellectual disabilities and will speak directly to decision-makers about their needs, dreams, and ideas. They will lead many sessions and share their personal stories. This helps everyone understand what challenges they face and what changes are needed in society.

Main Goals Of The Congress

The congress has many goals and topics to discuss. Some of them are:

• Making self-advocacy stronger

• Training more advocates

• Raising awareness among families

• Helping people with intellectual disabilities during crises like wars or pandemics

• Supporting their mental health

• Planning their future after their parents pass away

• Implementing international laws to protect their rights

All these topics are important because they will help build a world where everyone feels included, respected, and supported.

Words From The President Of Inclusion International

Sue Swenson, who is the President of Inclusion International, said that this congress is a very important milestone. She said, “For the first time, we are meeting in the MENA region to work with our member, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and bring our global network together.”

She also said that this partnership shows how strong results can come when regional leadership and global advocacy work with a shared purpose. She added, “At the heart of it are self-advocates, families, and organisations leading real change. This is what inclusion looks like in practice. We are Inclusion.”

About Inclusion International

Inclusion International is a global network that has more than 200 member organisations from 115 countries. It covers five main regions:

• Middle East and North Africa (8 countries and 11 organisations)

• Europe (16 countries and 20 organisations)

• Africa (14 countries and 19 organisations)

• The Americas (16 countries and 34 organisations)

• Asia and the Pacific (10 countries and 23 organisations)

It also represents people with intellectual disabilities and their families at the United Nations and other global meetings.

Past Achievements Of Inclusion International

Over the years, Inclusion International has achieved many great things. For example:

• In 2006, the world adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This law helps protect the rights of people with disabilities.

• In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals were supported. These goals include making life better and fairer for everyone, including people with disabilities.

• Members of Inclusion International also worked to change many national laws to support people with disabilities better.

This congress in Sharjah is another big step towards building fair and equal societies where everyone is treated with respect.

Invitation To Everyone

The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services is inviting all stakeholders, government and private organisations, civil society groups, academic centres, parents, and experts to take part in this event. They want everyone to learn from the sessions, take back important ideas, and work together to build societies based on justice, equality, and human rights.

Sharjah As A Global Leader

Hosting such a big global event shows that Sharjah is becoming a world leader in humanitarian work. It is a place where people work for the rights of everyone, including those with intellectual disabilities. This congress will help strengthen Sharjah’s image as a place of kindness, care, and respect for all people.