SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -- Sharjah hosted the 18th edition of the World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The event was held from September 15 - 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah, and organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) and Inclusion International, with support from the strategic partnership of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. The congress brought together 152 speakers, including self-advocates, families, experts, and policymakers from 160 organisations across 74 countries, featuring 59 sessions, with 600 participants.

During the event, Inclusion International granted Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, an honorary lifetime membership in recognition of her pivotal contributions to the global movement to empower people with intellectual disabilities and to strengthen the rights and roles of their families in society.

This accolade is a distinguished international honour conferred by the world’s largest network dedicated to advocating for the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. It firmly positions Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi among the foremost global figures whose contributions have significantly advanced the protection, empowerment, and inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities on the international stage.

Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi stated that the conferment of honorary lifetime membership by Inclusion International represents a distinguished recognition of the Emirate of Sharjah, led by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, whose visionary leadership has established a deeply rooted humanitarian framework grounded in justice and has consistently prioritised the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

She further emphasised that this honour serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of SCHS, which, since its establishment, has stood as a beacon of inclusion, a leading institution in specialised knowledge and services, and a major driver of international cooperation and partnerships.

Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, commended Sharjah for presenting an inspiring model in caring for and empowering persons with intellectual disabilities. She said: “The emirate has demonstrated that investing in inclusive policies positively transforms the lives of individuals and families, while strengthening communities. Hosting this congress underlines Sharjah’s role as a key partner in shaping a more inclusive international future.”

Hosting the congress, which convenes every four years in a member country, reflects Sharjah’s commitment to the principles of Inclusion International: inclusive education, community inclusion, empowerment, equality, and the protection of rights. These principles have been turned into practical programmes and policies that have yielded success over the past decades.

The opening ceremony heard from prominent officials and international figures, including His Excellency Shaikh Mohamed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee; Jamie Cooke, Executive Director of Inclusion International; Hashem Taqi, President of Inclusion International MENA; and His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Raad bin Zeid, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan.