Sharjah Ruler inaugurates World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion”

The event showcases an impressive lineup of 152 speakers, including experts, self-advocates, and representatives from institutions across the globe, coming together from 74 countries and 160 organizations. Attendees can look forward to 59 engaging dialogue sessions. The congress enjoys strategic support from the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, alongside various local and international entities. As the most prominent event organized by Inclusion International, it takes place every four years in a different member country around the world.

During the opening ceremony, His Highness and other attendees were captivated by an inspiring visual presentation showcasing individuals from rehabilitation centers dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. The participants shared their dreams and the diverse skills they have cultivated in areas like engineering, the arts, and sports—achievements made possible through effective empowerment and inclusive policies.

In a recorded address, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering patronage and steadfast support for all humanitarian initiatives. This support has been a cornerstone of our accomplishments and continues to guide our efforts.

Sheikha Jameela warmly welcomed the congress guests from various countries, stating, "Your presence from around the world is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to a common goal: to create a world where everyone belongs. We have chosen the theme 'We Are Inclusion' because we believe that inclusion goes beyond an idea or a target; it is a core part of our values. This gathering unites advocates, their families, decision-makers, and community members, demonstrating that when our voices come together, they can drive meaningful change towards a more inclusive and equitable world."

She highlighted the city's dedication to caring for and empowering people with disabilities over the past four decades, emphasizing its commitment to defending their rights and facilitating their integration into society. Thanks to the inspiring vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE have set a global standard for cities and nations that prioritize comprehensive accessibility and uphold the dignity of all individuals.

Sheikha Jameela emphasized the city's various initiatives benefiting families and the community, stating, "Since we embraced the concept of self-advocacy in January 2009, we have made significant progress. We have organized, participated in, and hosted numerous conferences, seminars, and forums. Our goal has been to enhance the abilities of self-advocates, empowering them to make choices and decisions. At the same time, we have encouraged families to take an active role in caring for their children, equipping them to assert and uphold their rights. We are eager to achieve even more through the sessions and discussions at this congress."

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the organizers and participants from both regional and international organizations, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Inclusion International in hosting this crucial event. For over 60 years, this organization has been dedicated to championing the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Their mission to empower people to advocate for their own rights aligns perfectly with our vision. We sincerely thank Inclusion International for selecting Sharjah as the venue for this global congress."

Sheikha Jameela highlighted the significance of the congress in raising awareness and advancing services aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. She remarked, "Through this congress, we underscore the importance of self-advocates understanding their rights as they express themselves, seek the support they require to make informed decisions, and collaborate on issues that matter to them. Furthermore, we aim to raise awareness within the educational community about the critical need for integration, the urgent necessity to close shelters, provide accessible information for individuals with disabilities, and ensure that environments are easily accessible."

In concluding her speech, the Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services emphasized the outcomes of this vital global congress, which serves as an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn from one another, share inspiring experiences, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful change forward.

Sue Swenson, the President of Inclusion International, delivered an inspiring speech where she highlighted the extensive efforts made by Sharjah, alongside His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, to support individuals with disabilities for many decades. This commitment has positioned Sharjah as a global model worthy of emulation in this important field.

In her address, she emphasized the congress's pivotal global agendas focused on creating better environments for people with disabilities. She pointed out that Sharjah has consistently led the way in offering support, fostering cooperation, and empowering individuals through innovative approaches. Furthermore, she remarked that the congress serves as a valuable platform for the new generation, encouraging them to share ideas, experiences, enthusiasm, and knowledge.

Hashem Taqi, the President of Inclusion for the Middle East and North Africa, also spoke, commending Sharjah's initiative in orchestrating this significant congress. His remarks aimed to amplify the voices of self-advocates and their families on a global stage. He underscored the key provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including principles of equality and non-discrimination, independent living, societal integration, and employment opportunities, among others.

Hashem commended the agenda of the congress, highlighting its diverse sessions and activities that showcased the potential and abilities of individuals with disabilities. This was made evident through effective management and engaging discussions that addressed their needs, celebrated their achievements, and shared inspiring stories of resilience, all aimed at promoting their integration and empowerment within society.

During his speech, Sheikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, the President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee and a guest of honor at the congress, expressed his delight at attending this global gathering. He extended his gratitude to the Emirate of Sharjah for its unwavering support of individuals with disabilities.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the essential role of sports in helping integrate those with intellectual disabilities into society and underscored the positive effects of physical activity on both individuals and their families. He noted that exercise not only fosters mental and muscular coordination but also enhances the functioning of the nervous system.

Prince Mired bin Raad bin Yazid Al Hashemi, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan, delivered a video address praising the congress’s commitment to advancing the rights and freedoms of individuals with disabilities, particularly in Arab countries where this community needs greater support and solidarity.

Prince Mired outlined Jordan’s national initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities. His goal is to establish the best possible family and community environment that facilitates their full integration. He expressed his satisfaction with the successful implementation of systematic plans focused on housing, educational settings, independent living, and employment, particularly prioritizing those with intellectual disabilities.

Concluding the opening remarks, Jamie Cook, Executive Director of Inclusion International, emphasized that the congress serves as a unified platform for the shared visions and values of self-advocates, families, supporters, and various global organizations. She highlighted the event’s aim to nurture collaboration and connections that could lead to shared objectives in the future, with the intention of following through on the congress's outcomes to build a more equitable and inclusive world for nations and the global community.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honored the sponsors, strategic partners, and supporters of the congress.

This congress will see the participation of several members from the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, attracting an impressive turnout from 74 countries, 125 institutions, 134 self-advocates, 152 speakers, and more than 500 participants who will engage in 59 sessions, including 9 parallel discussions. The event will feature extensive dialogues among experts focused on the future of integration and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The goal is to craft a comprehensive roadmap designed to transition community initiatives into actionable national public policies.

Titled “We Are Inclusion,” the congress aims to explore ways to empower self-advocates by equipping them with advocacy and decision-making skills. It will shed light on issues surrounding intellectual disabilities from a global human rights and humanitarian standpoint, showcasing inspiring stories of self-advocates from various nations. The event aims to develop policies and procedures that foster inclusion and community diversity while also creating avenues for collaboration among civil society organizations, government bodies, and the private sector.

During the opening, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah took the opportunity to tour the congress halls, visiting the various pavilions and workshop spaces. His Highness learned about the accompanying events and the congress's offerings for visitors, which included participation from both government and private sectors, as well as exhibitions that highlight the efforts of individuals with disabilities who are part of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler's Office; Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Sheikh Majid bin Faisal Al Qasimi, First Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and several senior officials and representatives of the entities participating in the congress.