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. 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. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, commended Sharjah for presenting an inspiring model in caring for and empowering persons with intellectual disabilities.