emirates7 - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate will host the 18th World Congress of Inclusion International from 15 to 17 September 2025. Marking a historic milestone, this will be the first time the congress is held in the Middle East and North Africa, under the banner “We are Inclusion.”
The World Congress is a landmark global event focused on the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, and supported by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) as its official media and logistics partner, the event will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Around 850 participants are expected to attend, including self-advocates, family members, specialists, and delegates from more than 115 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
This edition of the congress comes at a critical time, as intellectual disabilities continue to present significant challenges in communication, learning, and independent living. The congress seeks to dismantle these obstacles by empowering individuals, equipping families, and steering institutions toward inclusive practices that enable full societal participation.
In 2025, the congress will emphasize self-advocacy and the importance of allowing individuals with intellectual disabilities to be actively involved in decisions that impact their lives. Since its launch in 1963, the World Congress has championed the rights of this community by amplifying their voices, promoting independence, and influencing policy for more inclusive societies.
Sharjah was selected as the host city in recognition of its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and longstanding commitment to accessibility. The emirate’s inclusive public facilities and dedication to the rights of people with disabilities — particularly through the work of SCHS, a key member of Inclusion International — played a central role in its selection.
Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director-General of SCHS, expressed pride in Sharjah becoming the first MENA city to host the congress. She highlighted the emirate’s continuous efforts to uplift people with intellectual disabilities and support their families.
She affirmed that the congress reflects Sharjah’s vision of fostering communities where people with intellectual disabilities are active participants in shaping the policies that affect them. Sheikha Jameela also emphasized the emirate’s practical commitment to inclusion, evident through strong civic engagement and a collective sense of responsibility.
Sharjah, officially recognized as an “Accessible City for the Physically Disabled,” is renowned for its advanced inclusive infrastructure and proven ability to host global events. These qualities, according to Sheikha Jameela, make it a fitting venue for an event of this magnitude.
She further noted that Sharjah’s approach is grounded in a rights-based philosophy that ensures access to education, employment, healthcare, and decision-making for people with intellectual disabilities. The emirate’s accessible services reflect international best practices and a commitment to equity.
The congress will cover a wide range of essential themes, such as inclusive education, family and community support, employment, health services, deinstitutionalisation, legal rights, social protection, advocacy, and capacity building in the disability sector.
Bringing together global thought leaders, policymakers, experts, and activists, the congress aims to generate practical strategies and policy recommendations that advance inclusion worldwide.
Held every four years, the World Congress serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, discussing challenges, and celebrating achievements in the inclusion movement — reinforcing a sense of global solidarity and momentum.
As part of its outreach, SCHS is calling on governments, institutions, educators, healthcare professionals, and social organisations to participate in this landmark event and contribute to creating inclusive, respectful, and opportunity-rich environments for all.
The World Congress is a landmark global event focused on the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, and supported by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) as its official media and logistics partner, the event will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Around 850 participants are expected to attend, including self-advocates, family members, specialists, and delegates from more than 115 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
This edition of the congress comes at a critical time, as intellectual disabilities continue to present significant challenges in communication, learning, and independent living. The congress seeks to dismantle these obstacles by empowering individuals, equipping families, and steering institutions toward inclusive practices that enable full societal participation.
In 2025, the congress will emphasize self-advocacy and the importance of allowing individuals with intellectual disabilities to be actively involved in decisions that impact their lives. Since its launch in 1963, the World Congress has championed the rights of this community by amplifying their voices, promoting independence, and influencing policy for more inclusive societies.
Sharjah was selected as the host city in recognition of its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and longstanding commitment to accessibility. The emirate’s inclusive public facilities and dedication to the rights of people with disabilities — particularly through the work of SCHS, a key member of Inclusion International — played a central role in its selection.
Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director-General of SCHS, expressed pride in Sharjah becoming the first MENA city to host the congress. She highlighted the emirate’s continuous efforts to uplift people with intellectual disabilities and support their families.
She affirmed that the congress reflects Sharjah’s vision of fostering communities where people with intellectual disabilities are active participants in shaping the policies that affect them. Sheikha Jameela also emphasized the emirate’s practical commitment to inclusion, evident through strong civic engagement and a collective sense of responsibility.
Sharjah, officially recognized as an “Accessible City for the Physically Disabled,” is renowned for its advanced inclusive infrastructure and proven ability to host global events. These qualities, according to Sheikha Jameela, make it a fitting venue for an event of this magnitude.
She further noted that Sharjah’s approach is grounded in a rights-based philosophy that ensures access to education, employment, healthcare, and decision-making for people with intellectual disabilities. The emirate’s accessible services reflect international best practices and a commitment to equity.
The congress will cover a wide range of essential themes, such as inclusive education, family and community support, employment, health services, deinstitutionalisation, legal rights, social protection, advocacy, and capacity building in the disability sector.
Bringing together global thought leaders, policymakers, experts, and activists, the congress aims to generate practical strategies and policy recommendations that advance inclusion worldwide.
Held every four years, the World Congress serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, discussing challenges, and celebrating achievements in the inclusion movement — reinforcing a sense of global solidarity and momentum.
As part of its outreach, SCHS is calling on governments, institutions, educators, healthcare professionals, and social organisations to participate in this landmark event and contribute to creating inclusive, respectful, and opportunity-rich environments for all.