Minister briefed on Down Syndrome meet

As part of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association’s preparations to host the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC – “Dubai 2021”) held “remotely” under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister for Community Development, was briefed on the latest developments and arrangements for hosting the event scheduled on 18-20 November 2021.
During the meeting with the organising committee of the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC “Dubai 2021”), she listened to the presentation of Dr. Manal Jarour, president of the Congress who spoke about the latest updates and arrangements made by the National Organising Committee with Down Syndrome International Organisation in the United Kingdom, the best achievements and successful practices in supporting and empowering people with Down Syndrome in the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC-Dubai 2021).
Meanwhile, Dr. Manal Jarour, president of the Congress & Chairperson of Emirates Down Syndrome Association, lauded the organising of the World Down Syndrome Congress for the first time in the Middle East and Northern Africa as a result of the association’s efforts to improve the quality of services provided to the people of determination and the support provided by the UAE wise leadership to this category.
The WDSC will bring together an anticipated 1,500 delegates including people with Down syndrome, their families and advocates, experts, specialists and researchers in the field of Down Syndrome. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid received the banner of hosting the WDSC during the 13th session of the Congress in Glasgow, Scotland 2018.
The congress participants will discuss recent significant developments, quality research in key areas of global relevance to people with Down Syndrome and topics of interest such as: health, education, employment, sports, recreation and leisure, an adequate standard of living, the right to live an independent life, social protection, legal recognition and social and cultural inclusion.
Last year, Emirates Down Syndrome Association organised a number of self-advocacy programmes for the first time in the UAE in collaboration with the Down Syndrome International Congress in the UK.
The interactive training sessions highlighted the voice of Down Syndrome categories to express their needs and defend their rights and decisions.
At the meeting, Minister Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid listened to the best achievements and successful practices in supporting and empowering people with Down Syndrome.