World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” begins in Sharjah

September 13, 2025 / 3:47 PM

Sharjah24: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” will commence tomorrow (Monday) at Expo Centre Sharjah. Organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in collaboration with Inclusion International, and in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the congress aims to place issues of inclusion and the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities firmly on the global agenda.
Running from 15 to 17 September, this year’s edition will feature 59 discussion panels with 152 speakers, 134 self-advocates, 125 organisations, and over 500 participants from 74 countries, marking it as one of the world’s largest and most diverse gatherings dedicated to advancing inclusion.

Wide international participation
The congress reflects a truly global reach, with participants spanning all continents. The Middle East leads with 151 delegates, followed by Africa with 112, Asia with 93, Europe with 66, and the Americas with 56.

At a national level, the UAE has the largest delegation with 112 participants, followed by Mauritius with 48 and Japan with 33. Other notable representation comes from Canada (23), Egypt (19), South Korea (13), Kuwait and the United States (12 each), and the United Kingdom (11). To facilitate meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, simultaneous interpretation will be provided in four languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.

Side activities and summits
Alongside official sessions, the congress offers a rich programme of side activities. The Family Summit began today (Sunday) at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, running alongside the Self-Advocates Summit at the Pullman Hotel. The programme will conclude on Thursday, 18 September, with the General Assembly meetings of Inclusion International at both venues.

Complementary initiatives, including the use of internationally recognised “traffic light cards,” will ensure all participants can engage fully, promoting clear and accessible communication based on listening, respect, and inclusion.

Showcasing Emirati heritage
Sharjah, as the host and a bridge between cultures, has integrated an Emirati Heritage Day into the programme. Organised with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Al Batayeh Municipality, and the Sharjah Maritime Museum, the event will offer participants an immersive experience of the UAE’s traditions and culture. Delegates will enjoy authentic hospitality, local crafts, traditional cuisine, and interactive workshops in handicrafts and maritime skills. The day will also feature artistic performances and historic ship displays, providing a vivid introduction to the UAE’s heritage and spirit.

New book and cultural programme
The congress will include the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the University of Al Dhaid, alongside the launch of a new book exploring strategies to empower children, families, and communities during times of stress and crisis. Participants will have access to film screenings, exhibitions, yoga sessions, and wellness activities tailored for self-advocates and their families. These daily programmes aim to support not only intellectual and social empowerment but also mental health, physical wellbeing, and cultural engagement.

Evening tours and relaxation spaces
Evening activities will include visits to Heart of Sharjah, the Sharjah Maritime Museum, the Sharjah Aquarium, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, the Rain Room, and Souq Al Arsah. In addition, the venue will offer designated relaxation areas, providing self-advocates with calm spaces for rest, informal meetings, and social interaction.