Special Olympics Global Centre Summit Begins Tomorrow In Abu Dhabi To Promote Inclusion

Zayed University is set to host the Special Olympics Global Centre for Inclusion in Education Summit at its Abu Dhabi campus. This two-day event, themed "Inclusion for Tomorrow," aims to promote global inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The summit will gather over 300 advocates from around the world to share insights and explore best practices in promoting social inclusion through sports, youth leadership, and school engagement.

The summit will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops to enhance understanding of inclusion's transformative impact. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, will participate in a Fireside Chat titled "The UAE Journey to Inclusion: The Role of Sports in Driving Inclusion." He will discuss the UAE's dedication to fostering social change and inclusion both locally and globally.

Dr. Al Falasi will highlight key aspects of the UAE's strategy to promote inclusion in sports and education as part of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He will also discuss progress made in advancing unified sports in schools across the emirates. The Minister emphasised that the 2019 Special Olympics World Games marked the beginning of a long-term partnership with Special Olympics to achieve social inclusion.

"Since the 2019 World Games, we have worked closely with Special Olympics UAE and the Global Centre to create new programmes and initiatives to drive inclusion across our national sports and education communities. We look forward to sharing our progress at the upcoming summit. More importantly, we look forward to participating in this powerful platform to champion inclusivity in sports and education and to forge new partnerships that will enable us all to continue to advance our shared objective of achieving lasting global social inclusion," he noted.

Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, remarked on the UAE's ongoing commitment to inclusion following the 2019 World Games. "Building on the powerful legacy of the 2019 World Games, the UAE continues to champion the cause of inclusion through Special Olympics. Our commitment extends through the Global Centre, which is at the heart of our mission to foster acceptance and bring about positive change for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Today, the centre supports 25 programmes across 25 countries, each designed to showcase the lasting impact of our united efforts for a more inclusive world."

Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, expressed dedication towards creating an inclusive academic environment. "At Zayed University, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment where every student has the opportunity to excel. Through our Student Accessibility Services department, we empower Students of Determination with the latest assistive technologies and tailored support to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential," he said.

The summit represents a significant step towards achieving global social inclusion by bringing together diverse voices committed to this cause. Through collaboration and shared experiences, participants aim to develop strategies that further inclusivity worldwide.

With inputs from WAM