The 18th edition of the congress features 152 speakers, including experts, self-advocates, and organisations from across the globe, representing 74 countries and 160 organisations. With 59 panel discussions on its agenda, it is organised with the strategic partnership of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, along with numerous local and international partners. Recognised as the most important event of Inclusion International, the congress is convened every four years in one of its member countries worldwide.

​​The opening ceremony commenced with the UAE’s national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. Attendees, including His Highness, then watched a video presentation featuring individuals from various disability rehabilitation centres. In the video, they shared their aspirations and the skills they had acquired in fields such as engineering, the arts and sports, all achieved through successful empowerment and inclusion policies.

In a recorded address, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCHS, expressed her sincere gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his generous patronage and continuous support of all humanitarian initiatives. She emphasised that His Highness’s unwavering commitment has been, and remains, the foundation of the organisation’s accomplishments.

Sheikha Jameela extended a warm welcome to delegates from around the world. She said: "Your presence here from across the globe is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to a common goal, building a world that truly includes everyone, without exception. We chose the theme ‘We Are Inclusion' because we believe it is not merely an aspiration or a concept, but a core value. This event, which unites the voices of self-advocates and their families with those of decision-makers and members of the wider community, affirms that when we speak as one, our collective voice can drive meaningful change towards a more inclusive and just world."

She also highlighted the SCHS's longstanding efforts to support and empower persons with disabilities. Over the past four decades, it has worked tirelessly to promote their rights, ensure their integration and enhance their autonomy. She affirmed that, guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has become a global model of accessible cities that uphold dignity and inclusivity.

Sheikha Jameela further noted SCHS's extensive engagement with families and the community: "We have made significant progress since adopting the concept of self-advocacy in January 2009. We have organised, hosted, and participated in numerous conferences, forums and seminars, all aimed at strengthening the capacity of self-advocates to exercise their right to choose and make decisions. We have encouraged families to play a proactive role in supporting their children, while equipping them to claim and defend their rights. We are eager to build on these achievements through the sessions and discussions taking place at this conference."

She also conveyed her appreciation to all organisers and participants, including regional and international institutions: "We are honoured to co-host this important event in partnership with Inclusion International, an organisation that has dedicated more than 60 years to advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Its focus on empowering individuals to advocate for themselves aligns fully with our mission. We thank Inclusion International for placing its trust in Sharjah to host this global conference."

Sheikha Jameela underscored the significance of the conference in promoting awareness and advancing the delivery of services for persons with disabilities. She said: "Through this conference, we reiterate the importance of enabling self-advocates to understand their rights, speak for themselves and access the support necessary to make informed decisions. We also highlight the need for a collaborative approach in addressing the issues they face. Furthermore, we call for greater awareness within the education sector about the importance of inclusive practices, the urgent closure of institutional care facilities, the provision of accessible information, and the development of environments that are fully accessible."

She concluded by emphasising the importance of the conference’s outcomes, describing the event as a valuable platform for communication, learning, the exchange of best practices, the strengthening of partnerships and the acceleration of progress towards greater inclusion.

Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, delivered a speech highlighting the emirate’s ongoing efforts, supported by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in caring for persons with disabilities over several decades, which have made Sharjah a global model to be followed in this field. She also emphasised the importance of the congress in addressing many key global agendas aimed at providing better environments for persons with disabilities. She noted that Sharjah has always been a pioneer in support, collaboration, and empowerment through advanced approaches. Furthermore, the conference offers wide opportunities for the new generation to share ideas, exchange experiences, and foster passion and knowledge.

During his keynote speech, Hashem Taqi, President of Inclusion International MENA, commended Sharjah for its role in hosting this important conference. He praised the emirate’s efforts to amplify the voices of self-advocates and their families at an international level by highlighting the principles set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These include equality and non-discrimination, independent living, social inclusion, employment and other fundamental rights.

He further praised the conference agenda, noting that its diverse sessions and activities effectively showcase the talents and potential of persons with disabilities. He underscored how these strengths are clearly reflected through their leadership in managing sessions, engaging in discussions, and sharing their needs, achievements and inspiring stories of resilience. He emphasised that such contributions are vital to promoting genuine social inclusion and empowerment.


The Guest of Honour, His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, ​​expressed his delight at taking part in this global event. He extended his sincere thanks to the Emirate of Sharjah for its ongoing dedication to supporting persons with disabilities.


He spoke about the important role of sport in promoting the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities within society, and emphasised its positive impact not only on the individuals themselves, but also on their families, noting that regular participation in sports enhances neuromuscular coordination and improves overall nervous system function.

HRH Prince Mired bin Raad bin Zaid, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan, delivered a recorded address in which he commended the conference’s efforts in advancing the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities. He particularly emphasised the importance of such efforts in Arab countries, where greater support and advocacy are still urgently needed.

Prince Mired highlighted Jordan’s national initiatives aimed at creating inclusive and supportive family and community environments that foster the full integration of persons with disabilities. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress made through structured national strategies in areas such as residential care, inclusive education, independent living and employment, with a particular focus on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Jamie Cooke, Executive Director of Inclusion International, concluded the opening ceremony by describing the conference as a unified platform that brings together the shared vision and values of self-advocates, families, supporters and organisations worldwide. He stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration and forging lasting partnerships to achieve common goals. He also called for continued commitment to the conference’s outcomes and recommendations as a pathway to building a more just and inclusive world, both nationally and globally.


At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honoured the sponsors, strategic partners and supporters who contributed to the successful organisation of the conference in the Emirate.

 

Following the opening ceremony, His Highness toured the conference venue, visiting exhibition spaces and workshop areas. The Sharjah Ruler was briefed on the accompanying activities and viewed the contributions of participating government and private entities. The exhibitions highlighted the achievements of persons with disabilities affiliated with SCHS.


The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi serves as the Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Dr. Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCHS; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; and Sheikh Majid bin Faisal Al Qasimi, First Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; as well as government officials, and representatives of participating organisations.