Latest news with #InclusionInternational


Gulf Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sharjah meet seeks inclusion for differently-abled
The emirate of Sharjah continues its preparation to host Inclusion International's 18th World Congress 'We are Inclusion,' which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from September 15 - 17 September. Taking place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, the congress is organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in strategic partnership with Inclusion International. The official three-day programme will feature 83 insightful and proactive sessions, in addition to key events held prior to the official opening. These include the Self-Advocacy Summit on September 14, bringing together 280 advocates from around the world, and the Families Summit, which gathers 140 families of people with disabilities on the same day, with the presence of dignitaries and senior officials. The congress is the premier event of 'Inclusion International', held every four years since its inception in 1963, with previous editions hosted in the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Kenya. Hosting the event in Sharjah this year reflects the international community's confidence and the emirate's pioneering role in supporting and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. 'We Are Inclusion' motivates collective action This year's congress will bring together a diverse range of participants from the five major continents, including representatives of self-advocacy organisations, family organisations, healthcare and education providers, social institutions, inclusive businesses, development organisations, along with government leaders, and policy experts from around the world. The theme also dedicates central space to self-advocates; individuals with intellectual disabilities speaking for their rights; who will lead sessions and share experiences directly with decision-makers. The congress focuses on a number of key pillars, strengthening self-advocacy, training advocates, raising family awareness, amplifying voices to policymakers, supporting people during crises, enhancing mental health, planning for the future after parental loss, and implementing international conventions. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International said: "This World Congress marks an important milestone in our movement. For the first time, we gather in the Mena region to work with our member Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to bring our global network together.' 'Our partnership shows what's possible when regional leadership and global advocacy come together with a shared purpose. 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," she emphasised. Through these pillars, the World Congress in Sharjah builds upon the emirate's reputation as a global hub for humanitarian and rights-based impact, and as a gateway to a new era of international cooperation for the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities. 200 member organisations from 115 countries 'Inclusion International' comprises over 200 member organisations from 115 countries, spanning five key regions: the 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); and Asia and the Pacific (10 countries and 23 organisations). The organisation also serves as the official representative of people with intellectual disabilities and their families at the United Nations and other global forums. In addition to being a platform for sharing experiences and policies, the congress aims to highlight the achievements of Inclusion International's network over the past decades, such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, and the endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Other notable achievements include the contribution of members to successfully amending national laws in favour of people with disabilities, which positions the congress as a new milestone in advancing the global vision of inclusive and equitable societies. SCHS invites all stakeholders, governmental and private entities, civil society organisations, academic centres, parents, and experts to participate in this global event, engage with its themes and recommendations, and contribute to building inclusive and just environments founded on the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.

Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
We Are Inclusion to convene specialists and officials in Sharjah
The official three-day programme will feature 83 insightful and proactive sessions, in addition to key events held prior to the official opening. These include the Self-Advocacy Summit on September 14, bringing together 280 advocates from around the world, and the Families Summit, which gathers 140 families of people with disabilities on the same day, with the presence of dignitaries and senior officials. The congress is the premier event of 'Inclusion International', held every four years since its inception in 1963, with previous editions hosted in the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Kenya. Hosting the event in Sharjah this year reflects the international community's confidence and the emirate's pioneering role in supporting and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. 'We Are Inclusion' motivates collective action This year's congress will bring together a diverse range of participants from the five major continents, including representatives of self-advocacy organisations, family organisations, healthcare and education providers, social institutions, inclusive businesses, development organisations, along with government leaders, and policy experts from around the world. The theme also dedicates central space to self-advocates; individuals with intellectual disabilities speaking for their rights; who will lead sessions and share experiences directly with decision-makers. The congress focuses on a number of key pillars, strengthening self-advocacy, training advocates, raising family awareness, amplifying voices to policymakers, supporting people during crises, enhancing mental health, planning for the future after parental loss, and implementing international conventions. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International said: "This World Congress marks an important milestone in our movement. For the first time, we gather in the MENA region to work with our member Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to bring our global network together.' 'Our partnership shows what's possible when regional leadership and global advocacy come together with a shared purpose. 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," she emphasised. Through these pillars, the World Congress in Sharjah builds upon the emirate's reputation as a global hub for humanitarian and rights-based impact, and as a gateway to a new era of international cooperation for the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities. 200 member organisations from 115 countries 'Inclusion International' comprises over 200 member organisations from 115 countries, spanning five key regions: the 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); and Asia and the Pacific (10 countries and 23 organisations). The organisation also serves as the official representative of people with intellectual disabilities and their families at the United Nations and other global forums. In addition to being a platform for sharing experiences and policies, the congress aims to highlight the achievements of Inclusion International's network over the past decades, such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, and the endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Other notable achievements include the contribution of members to successfully amending national laws in favour of people with disabilities, which positions the congress as a new milestone in advancing the global vision of inclusive and equitable societies. SCHS invites all stakeholders, governmental and private entities, civil society organisations, academic centres, parents, and experts to participate in this global event, engage with its themes and recommendations, and contribute to building inclusive and just environments founded on the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
‘We Are Inclusion' to convene specialists and officials in Sharjah to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities
Sharjah, The emirate of Sharjah continues its preparation to host Inclusion International's 18th World Congress 'We are Inclusion,' which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah from September 15 - 17 September. Taking place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, the congress is organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in strategic partnership with Inclusion International. The official three-day programme will feature 83 insightful and proactive sessions, in addition to key events held prior to the official opening. These include the Self-Advocacy Summit on September 14, bringing together 280 advocates from around the world, and the Families Summit, which gathers 140 families of people with disabilities on the same day, with the presence of dignitaries and senior officials. The congress is the premier event of 'Inclusion International', held every four years since its inception in 1963, with previous editions hosted in the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Kenya. Hosting the event in Sharjah this year reflects the international community's confidence and the emirate's pioneering role in supporting and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. 'We Are Inclusion' motivates collective action This year's congress will bring together a diverse range of participants from the five major continents, including representatives of self-advocacy organisations, family organisations, healthcare and education providers, social institutions, inclusive businesses, development organisations, along with government leaders, and policy experts from around the world. The theme also dedicates central space to self-advocates; individuals with intellectual disabilities speaking for their rights; who will lead sessions and share experiences directly with decision-makers. The congress focuses on a number of key pillars, strengthening self-advocacy, training advocates, raising family awareness, amplifying voices to policymakers, supporting people during crises, enhancing mental health, planning for the future after parental loss, and implementing international conventions. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International said: "This World Congress marks an important milestone in our movement. For the first time, we gather in the MENA region to work with our member Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to bring our global network together.' 'Our partnership shows what's possible when regional leadership and global advocacy come together with a shared purpose. 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," she emphasised. Through these pillars, the World Congress in Sharjah builds upon the emirate's reputation as a global hub for humanitarian and rights-based impact, and as a gateway to a new era of international cooperation for the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities. 200 member organisations from 115 countries 'Inclusion International' comprises over 200 member organisations from 115 countries, spanning five key regions: the 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); and Asia and the Pacific (10 countries and 23 organisations). The organisation also serves as the official representative of people with intellectual disabilities and their families at the United Nations and other global forums. In addition to being a platform for sharing experiences and policies, the congress aims to highlight the achievements of Inclusion International's network over the past decades, such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, and the endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Other notable achievements include the contribution of members to successfully amending national laws in favour of people with disabilities, which positions the congress as a new milestone in advancing the global vision of inclusive and equitable societies. SCHS invites all stakeholders, governmental and private entities, civil society organisations, academic centres, parents, and experts to participate in this global event, engage with its themes and recommendations, and contribute to building inclusive and just environments founded on the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.

Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Sharjah to Host World Congress for Inclusion 2025 -- First Time in the Middle East and North African Region
SHARJAH, UAE, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark moment for the region, the emirate of Sharjah will host the World Congress of Inclusion International for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), drawing participation from more than 115 countries. The event will take place from September 15 to 17, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the theme "We Are Inclusion." Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 18th World Congress is one of the most influential global gatherings focused on advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families - promoting inclusion around the world. Organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, the Congress serves as a key forum for exchanging ideas, sharing success stories, and addressing the challenges facing individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, commented. "We are proud that Sharjah is hosting this global event for the first time in the MENA region. Hosting the congress reflects the emirate's vision of building communities where people with intellectual disabilities have a real voice and influence in shaping policies and decisions." Thought leaders, government officials, policy experts, and advocates from around the world are expected to contribute, making the congress a strategic platform for shaping actionable recommendations. 850 participants, professionals, and representatives of local, regional, and international organisations, family members and Self advocates from across five global regions are expected to attend this global event. The three-day event will address critical topics, including inclusive education, community and family support, employment, humanitarian services, healthcare, deinstitutionalisation, legal decision-making, social protection, self-advocacy, and capacity building for organisations working in the disability sector. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, emphasized the Congress's global importance: "The World Congress is the most important gathering of our global movement. Self-advocates, families, and organizations lead the conversation about what inclusion means in real life, showing through their actions that we are inclusion." Contacts Sabina Nallim Media Relations Manager Tel.: +49 30 65000434


Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Sharjah to Host World Congress for Inclusion 2025 -- First Time in the Middle East and North African Region
SHARJAH, UAE, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- In a landmark moment for the region, the emirate of Sharjah will host the World Congress of Inclusion International for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), drawing participation from more than 115 countries. The event will take place from September 15 to 17, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the theme "We Are Inclusion." Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 18th World Congress is one of the most influential global gatherings focused on advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families - promoting inclusion around the world. Organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, the Congress serves as a key forum for exchanging ideas, sharing success stories, and addressing the challenges facing individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, commented. "We are proud that Sharjah is hosting this global event for the first time in the MENA region. Hosting the congress reflects the emirate's vision of building communities where people with intellectual disabilities have a real voice and influence in shaping policies and decisions." Thought leaders, government officials, policy experts, and advocates from around the world are expected to contribute, making the congress a strategic platform for shaping actionable recommendations. 850 participants, professionals, and representatives of local, regional, and international organisations, family members and Self advocates from across five global regions are expected to attend this global event. The three-day event will address critical topics, including inclusive education, community and family support, employment, humanitarian services, healthcare, deinstitutionalisation, legal decision-making, social protection, self-advocacy, and capacity building for organisations working in the disability sector. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, emphasized the Congress's global importance: "The World Congress is the most important gathering of our global movement. Self-advocates, families, and organizations lead the conversation about what inclusion means in real life, showing through their actions that we are inclusion." Full version of the release and photos are available via link Contacts Sabina Nallim Media Relations Manager Tel.: +49 30 65000434 [email protected] Hussain Al Mulla Media Relations Executive - Sharjah Government Media Bureau +971563980067 [email protected]