Sharjah, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Honorary President of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, inaugurated on Monday the 18th edition of the Global Conference “We Are Inclusion 2025”. This event is hosted for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is held at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services with strategic support from the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the conference receives support from a wide range of local and international institutions. It is the most significant event of Inclusion International. Held every four years, this gathering takes place in a member country. This year’s edition brings together 152 speakers from 74 countries and 160 institutions. They will deliver 59 dialogue sessions with the participation of over 500 attendees.
Sharjah’s Pioneering Role
The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation by people of determination from rehabilitation centers, showcasing their talents and achievements. In a recorded speech, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, expressed her gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous support. She affirmed that the emirate, under his visionary leadership, has become a global model for inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Sheikha Jameela stated: “Our theme ‘We Are Inclusion’ reflects our deep belief that inclusion is not merely a goal, but a core value we strive to uphold. This gathering, which unites self-advocates, their families, decision-makers, and communities, demonstrates that when our voices come together, they become a powerful force shaping a fairer and more inclusive world.”
International Recognition
Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, praised Sharjah’s pioneering efforts in supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. She described the emirate as a “global role model.” Hashem Taqi, President of Inclusion International for the Middle East and North Africa, stressed that the conference highlights key issues. These include equality, non-discrimination, social inclusion, and independent living.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, expressed his pride in attending the event. He emphasized the crucial role of sports in integrating persons with intellectual disabilities into society. Meanwhile, Prince Mired bin Ra’ad bin Zeid Al-Hussein, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan, delivered a recorded speech. He commended the conference for its role in advancing fundamental rights for persons with disabilities, particularly in the Arab region.
A Global Platform for Collaboration
Jimmy Cook, CEO of Inclusion International, concluded the opening speeches by highlighting the conference as a unified platform. It fosters cooperation, knowledge exchange, and accelerated progress towards a more just and inclusive world.
At the end of the ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honored the sponsors and strategic partners of the conference. He also toured the exhibition halls, visiting workshops and interactive activities showcasing the achievements of persons with disabilities.
Conference Objectives
The Global “We Are Inclusion 2025” Conference aims to address issues related to empowering self-advocates. It focuses on training them in leadership and decision-making. Additionally, it emphasizes advancing policies and procedures that promote community diversity and inclusion. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships between civil society, government bodies, and the private sector. The conference presents a comprehensive roadmap to transform community initiatives into actionable national policies.
