Sharjah To Welcome Over 150 Global Experts For World Congress On Disability Inclusion In September

The World Congress 2025 "We Are Inclusion" is set to debut in the MENA region, taking place in Sharjah from 15th to 17th September. This significant event will gather 152 speakers from 72 countries, including international organisation presidents, UN representatives, government ministers, and youth leaders. The congress aims to foster inclusion and empower people with intellectual disabilities.

Hosted at the Expo Centre Sharjah, this congress will be the largest global assembly focused on inclusion. It will provide a platform for innovative ideas that can influence inclusive policies both regionally and internationally. The programme will feature leading voices whose work has significantly advanced inclusion across various sectors.

Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, will share her extensive experience in establishing initiatives for empowering people with disabilities. Her leadership has earned her several honorary doctorates and prestigious humanitarian awards.

Prince Mired bin Ra’ad of Jordan, President of the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, will discuss his expertise in advancing rights and shaping inclusive policy. His international role as Special Envoy for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention highlights his efforts in supporting injured military veterans.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, will offer insights into how sports can foster inclusion and link development with social responsibility. His regional perspective adds depth to discussions on empowerment through sports.

Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafie, Director-General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, will present her expertise in developing educational programmes. Her leadership in organising scientific conferences on disability is noteworthy.

Chaica Al Qassimi represents a strong self-advocacy voice in the region. As a national representative of people with Down syndrome, she has championed rights to education and employment through international conferences.

Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, brings extensive leadership experience from her roles in the US Department of Education under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. She has been a prominent advocate before the UN for decision-making rights for people with disabilities.

Global Perspectives on Inclusion

Jose Maria Viera, Executive Director of the International Disability Alliance, will share insights into advancing equality and inclusion globally. His leadership includes guiding the World Blind Union and supporting disability rights across the Global South.

Diane Richler's contributions to drafting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are significant. As a past president of Inclusion International and the International Disability Alliance, she has been at the forefront of global initiatives promoting inclusion.

Jody Carr from Canada will discuss his work on Policy 322 as a model for inclusive education worldwide. His experience spans legislation aimed at embedding inclusive education rights.

Regional Insights and Inspirational Stories

Kuwait's Rehab Boursili will highlight her work in civil society and sports associations. As Chairperson of the Kuwaiti Society for Guardians of the Disabled, she adapts international experiences to benefit Gulf societies.

Michael Haddad's story is one of resilience; paralysed from the chest down, he has completed extraordinary challenges linking disability empowerment with climate action needs. As UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Action in Arab States, his story inspires many.

Jamie Cooke, Executive Director of Inclusion International, focuses on civic engagement and social policy within global disability rights movements. He leads major community change initiatives internationally.

Diverse Voices Enriching Discussions

The congress will also feature advocates like Rahma Khaled, Arab world’s first TV presenter with Down syndrome; author Mohammed Al Nabulsi; and activist Anita Rizkallah leading social initiatives for inclusion. Academics specialising in psychology and special education will contribute scientific depth to discussions.

This gathering promises to be an influential event driving forward policies that support inclusivity worldwide while celebrating diverse contributions towards this goal.

With inputs from WAM