SHARJAH, UAE, June 17, 2025 – The emirate of Sharjah is set to host the 18th edition of the World Congress of Inclusion International 2025, organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), in collaboration with Inclusion International. Under the theme “We are Inclusion,” the event will take place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, from September 15 to 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with participation expected from over 115 countries.  

This World Congress, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, is among the most prominent international gatherings advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.  

To encourage wide participation from self-advocates, their families, and supporting organisations, SCHS, in partnership with Inclusion International, has opened early registration at a discounted rate via the official website. 

The congress is expected to welcome around 850 participants, including self-advocates, family members, professionals, and representatives of local, regional, and international organisations. These attendees will come from across five global regions, spanning the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. This diversity offers a unique global perspective and an opportunity for exchanging knowledge and experiences in inclusive development.  

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.  

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 that promote inclusion globally.

The World Congress is the most significant event organised by Inclusion International, dedicated to sharing ideas, success stories, and challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities. It aims to reinforce the global identity and collective momentum of the inclusion movement. 

For the first time since its inception in 1963, this international event will be hosted in the MENA region. Sharjah was chosen as host city due to its inclusive and accessible environment, strategic location, and advanced infrastructure that caters to the needs of people with disabilities. The choice also recognises the prominent role played by SCHS, a long-time member of Inclusion International, which has been a leading advocate for their rights for decades.  

SCHS is a local non-profit organisation specialising in education, training, and rehabilitation services for people with disabilities of all ages and nationalities across the UAE.  

Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, stated: “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.” 

 She noted that the emirate has consistently prioritised turning inclusion into a practical reality, emphasising active involvement and collective responsibility throughout society. “It shows the progress Sharjah has made in this field, offering a global platform to exchange experiences, highlight best practices, and work toward a more inclusive and equitable future.”  

Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, said: “The World Congress is the most important gathering of our global movement. Self-advocates, families, and organisations lead the conversation about what inclusion means in real life, showing through their actions that we are inclusion.” 

“This is the first time the Congress will be held in the MENA region, but it is a global event and we look forward to bringing the world to Sharjah,” she added.  

Contacts 

Sabina Nallim
Media Relations Manager
Tel.: +49 30 65000434
s.nallim@mcgroup.com 

Hussain Al Mulla 

Media Relations Executive – Sharjah Government Media Bureau 

+971563980067 

Hussain.almulla@sgmb.ae