Sharjah To Host The 18th World Congress 2025 Focused On Inclusion And Disability Rights

Inclusion International's World Congress 2025, themed "We Are Inclusion," will convene in Sharjah from 15th to 17th September. This event will unite over 70 countries to tackle pressing global issues in inclusive education and community advocacy. With 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, the congress aims to address these challenges through self-advocates' leadership.

The congress will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah, marking its first appearance in the MENA region. Over three days, discussions will focus on inclusive healthcare, legal rights, and international cooperation during crises. The event also aims to highlight employment opportunities and economic participation for people with disabilities.

The UAE has made strides in promoting inclusion through a national policy framework. This framework is supported by Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 and local strategies across each emirate. It focuses on education, healthcare, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation.

Sharjah's infrastructure and advocacy efforts have paved the way for this global gathering. Institutions like the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) have been instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment. Across the UAE, there are numerous educational settings and vocational training programmes that support inclusion.

The World Health Organisation highlights that people with disabilities face higher poverty rates and discrimination. They may also experience life expectancies up to 20 years shorter than others. Women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, being four times more likely to encounter it.

Accessing healthcare services remains a significant challenge for people with disabilities. They are six times more likely to face difficulties in accessing such facilities. The congress aims to transform inclusion from aspiration into action by addressing these barriers through supportive legislation aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.

Economic Impact of Inclusion

Inclusion is crucial for sustainable development, especially for those with intellectual disabilities. The 2025 Global Disability Inclusion Report warns that failing to ensure inclusion could cost national economies up to 7 percent of GDP. This estimate comes from the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme.

Families play a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Most live at home with their families who act as lifelong advocates. The UN CRPD Committee recognises families as part of the disability movement, acknowledging their need for support in fulfilling this role effectively.

Moral Implications of Exclusion

Experts caution that social exclusion leads to moral and ethical losses by undermining justice and equality. It diminishes human diversity and deprives communities of creative potential needed for a balanced future. Addressing these issues is essential for building a more inclusive society.

The congress provides a platform for dismantling barriers faced by people with disabilities globally. By focusing on research and innovation, it seeks to create fairer environments where everyone can thrive equally.

With inputs from WAM