World Down Syndrome Day 2026; March 21st

FORUM: "Together Against Loneliness." World Down Syndrome Day 2026. What Everyone Needs to Feel Connected and Belong; Why do we need to talk about loneliness? Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. Their families can feel lonely too, and feel cut off from support. Loneliness can feel like different things: – Not having a group of friends or a community to belong to. – Not having a close, special person to share your feelings with. Loneliness is a serious problem. Loneliness is not just a sad feeling. It is bad for our health and happiness. It can make people feel anxious or depressed. It can also harm physical health. A study found that loneliness can be as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is not a choice. Loneliness happens when people are not supported to build and maintain connections with other people. Sometimes, people with Down syndrome can be in the same room as others but still feel lonely. Being present is not the same as being included. People can feel lonely even when surrounded by others if they are not truly connected. Loneliness is also caused by stigma and discrimination. Loneliness happens when people are left out of schools, workplaces, and community life. A study found that 39% of people with intellectual disabilities often feel lonely, compared to 14% of people without disabilities. Another study reported that people with an intellectual disability were 7 times more likely to be lonely than the general public. But we know the answer… The answer is real inclusion;  It’s about having good friendships and relationships. It’s the feeling of being valued and knowing you belong. This is a problem we can solve, and ‘Together Against Loneliness’ is our call to action. We want to talk about the problem of loneliness and how we help people feel connected and that they belong. To stop loneliness, every person needs. 

Real inclusion need to be truly included in schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.

Welcoming Spaces are important to feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from stigma.

Meaningful Relationships are important to have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners. Loneliness is a human rights issue;The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is about being connected to other people and belonging. Fighting for these rights is a key way we stand ‘Together Against Loneliness’. – Living in the community – Getting married, having relationships and being part of a family – Going to an inclusive school – Having an inclusive job – Taking part in cultural life, sport, and play. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #TogetherAgainstLoneliness.

EVENTS: At the United Nations; the events include the World Down Syndrome Day Conference 2026 at the United Nations in New York. Our events give self-advocates the chance to share their expert experience with key decision makers on a global stages Learn more. The High-level event entitled ''We are Together Against Loneliness" to mark the Word Down Syndrome Day 2026 on March 23rd at UNHQ. Watch the PART I - WDSD 2026 Conference and the PART II - WDSD 2026 Conference. Register to participate!

ACTIVITIES: The global community can Connect with the Down syndrome community in your part of the world and learn how you can support local activities. Learn more.

ACTIONS: How We Can All Help; We all have a responsibility to take action against loneliness together. Everyone can Become the person who creates a welcoming space. Invite someone to join a conversation, a game, or a group. And challenge exclusion when you see it. The voices of Self-Advocates must  are the most important. Share your opinions on what you need to feel connected and belong. Families must Talk to your loved one about their feelings. Support them to speak up for themselves. And connect with other families to build a strong community and advocate for better services. Organisations must Create opportunities for connection, like events and groups. Lead advocacy campaigns and give self-advocates and families a platform to speak up. Communities, Schools & Employers may Run inclusive clubs, sports, and groups that help people make connections. Actively change your policies to remove the barriers that stop people from joining in. We demand that Governments & Leaders turn the CRPD from words into action. Create policies and provide funding to end segregation, stop discrimination, and build a truly inclusive society.

Ways to get involved: The Resource hub is packed full of ideas and resources to help you make a difference on World Down Syndrome Day to Make your voice count!
The important messages that we need to share and Helpful information about the condition to help you better understand. A social media toolkit with graphics and hashtag guides are available. Together we can make a difference. Let’s stand ‘Together Against Loneliness’.

LIVESTREAM: High-level event entitled ''We are Together Against Loneliness" to mark the Word Down Syndrome Day 2026 Conference on March 23rd at UNHQ.

Watch the PART I - WDSD 2026 Conference.

   

 Watch the PART II - WDSD 2026 Conference.

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2025; March 21st.

 

Improving Our Support Systems: An event In commemoration of World Downs Syndrome Day 2025.

This event will bring together persons with Down Syndrome and their families, experts, and advocates to discuss the kinds of support systems needed to ensure that persons with Down Syndrome and their families are welcomed and supported in society.

14th World Down Syndrome Day Conference.

Under The theme "Improve Our Support Systems." Opening of the Conference and Introduction to Theme.

• Improve Our Support Systems: Social Protection and Human Support
• Improve Our Support Systems: Assistive Technology, Housing and Transport

Everyone needs support sometimes.

People with Down syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else.

Families also need support, as they are often supporting their family member with Down syndrome.

Support is a key human right that helps make other rights possible.

The support that we need is different for each person.

We have the right to support that meets our needs and gives us choice, control and dignity.

What needs to improve?

Many people with Down syndrome around the world don't get the support they need.

Many countries do not have support systems that meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families.

Or the support systems they have do not respect the human rights of people with disabilities.

Governments must make sure there is a support system, so people with disabilities are included in the community.

A good support system includes:

1. Governance
2. Information and data
3. Social protection
4. Human support
5. Assistive technology
6. Transport
7. Housing

Support systems help make other rights possible.

Related Documents: Programme,

 

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2024; March 21st.

FORUM: "Achieving Health Equity for People with Disabilities." World Down Syndrome Day 2024. Health equity means that everyone has a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible, without being disadvantaged in achieving it. This means there are no unfair, avoidable, or changeable differences in the health outcomes of groups of people. A stereotype is a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like. Stereotypes can be positive, negative or neutral, but they are often inaccurate, or simply wrong!; Stereotypes are often based on limited information or personal experience. They can be reinforced by the way something is represented in the media or by cultural messages. Once formed, a stereotype can be difficult to change. For people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, stereotypes can stop them from being treated like other people. They get treated like children, they are underestimated and excluded. Sometimes they are treated very badly or even abused. For World Down Syndrome Day 2024, we call for people around the world to end the stereotypes. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WithUsNotForUs and #WorldDownSyndromeDay.

EVENTS: From March 21st -22nd to mark the World Down Syndrome Day 2024, the Down Syndrome International network will host the 13th World Down Syndrome Day Conference (WDSDC) at the United Nations headquarters in New York to launch a new project calling for Health Equity for People with Disabilities. Self-advocates, supporters, government and UN officials and NGO representatives will share knowledge, experience, and good practice.

Watch the World Down Syndrome Day 2024 observance!

Achieving Health Equity for People with Disabilities.

World Down Syndrome Day 2023; March 21st.

FORUM: "With Us Not For Us." World Down Syndrome Day 2023.

The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability. We are committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support. A human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working WITH others to improve the lives of the persons with down syndrome.  Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WithUsNotForUs and #WorldDownSyndromeDay.

CAMPAIGN: For WDSD 2023, we call for people and organisations around the world to be With Us Not For Us. Read more about the global campaign here.

In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution, promoting and mainstreaming easy-to-understand communication for accessibility for persons with disabilities. 

EVENTS: 

New York

On World Down Syndrome Day 2023, the Down Syndrome International network will host the 12th World Down Syndrome Day Conference (WDSDC) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Geneva

For the World Down Syndrome Day 2023, self-advocates with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities from around the world will be gathering in Geneva to discuss the resolution and speak up for their right to easy-to-understand communication. We welcome you to our 2023 WDSD celebrations.

World Down Syndrome Day - Geneva 2023;
20 – 21 Mar, 2023.
- 14:00 (CET) - Geneva - Switzerland.

World Down Syndrome Day 2022; March 21st.

FORUM: #InclusionMeans - World Down Syndrome Day 2022.

The United Nations, in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), calls for “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”. Everyone should have the same opportunities, take part in the same activities, be able to go to the same places and enjoy the same experiences in life. But around the world people with Down syndrome and disabilities do not benefit from full and effective participation and inclusion in society. There are many reasons for this. One reason is a lack of agreed understanding about what inclusion is and what inclusive systems look like in practice. Not everyone understands:
- How to include people with Down syndrome and disabilities;
- How full inclusion benefits everyone – with or without disabilities;
- What is happening around the world to bring about inclusion for all.

Self-advocates from around the world will explain in their own words what #InclusionMeans?.
The World Down Syndrome Day 2022 event will be attended by members of the Committee, government officials, and other major stakeholders.

Why #InclusionMeans?
• People with Down syndrome have a right to be included in all parts of society, like everyone else.
• Not everyone understands exactly what inclusion means or how to include people with Down syndrome.
• It is important to hear from people with Down syndrome what inclusion means.

WEBINARS

Event on the margins of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

#InclusionMeans at United Nations in New York.

#InclusionMeans at United Nations Geneva

Find out what we think #InclusionMeans in #Employment , and what it doesn't mean! #InclusiveEmployment #WorldDownSyndromeDay

Related Documents:

Read more about #InclusionMeans

World Down Syndrome Day 2021, March 21

"CONNECT" is the theme chosen to observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st.

In 2020 around the world, we all had to adapt the ways we connect with each other. It was a big challenge and many people have been left behind. But it was an opportunity to find new ways to connect. This can be a positive outcome from the COVID-19 pandemic. For WDSD 2021 we want to focus on improving connections to ensure that all people with Down syndrome can CONNECT and participate on an equal basis with others.

We CONNECT so that we can:
Share ideas, experiences and knowledge,
Empower each other to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome, and
Reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change.

FORUM: "CONNECT"  World Down Syndrome Day 2021. 

Join Down Syndrome International online for  10th annual World Down Syndrome Day Conference as a series of virtual events. Speakers will include people with Down syndrome, supporters and advocates, government and UN officials and NGO representatives. They will share their experiences, knowledge and expertise, bringing perspectives from around the world. Connections are key for people with Down syndrome to lead full, meaningful lives and to enable them to fully participate in all aspects of life. Connections enable others to hear their voice.

Session 1 - 10th World Down Syndrome Day Conference - Opening and launch - #CONNECT.

In session 1, we will look at the importance of #CONNECT (connecting) for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting exacerbation of inequalities. We will identify barriers and solutions to connecting to inform COVID-19 recovery plans and to build a future where connecting is possible on an equal basis with others.

Broadcast live on Wednesday 17 March 2021 10:00 AM EDT / 2:00 PM UTC.

SESSION 1 PROGRAMME

This event is captioned in English

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Session 2 - 10th World Down Syndrome Day Conference - The importance of inclusion and connection in education - barriers, solutions and COVID-19.


Session 2 will explore the vision of inclusive education, the challenges faced in its realisation and the effect of COVID-19 on education around the world. We will see experiences, information and examples of good practice in inclusive education during COVID-19 and innovative strategies for inclusive education during the COVID-19 recovery and beyond.

Broadcast live on Thursday 18 March 2021 10:00 AM EDT / 2:00 PM UTC

SESSION 2 PROGRAMME

This event is captioned in English

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Session 3 - 10th World Down Syndrome Day Conference - How to #CONNECT - barriers and solutions for people with Down syndrome?


Connections are key for people with Down syndrome to lead full, meaningful lives and to enable them to fully participate in all aspects of life. Connections enable others to hear their voice. Session 3 will showcase good examples of connecting and what it can achieve. Solutions to connecting and innovative projects for removing barriers in the future with be showcased.

Broadcast live on Friday 19 March 2021 11:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UTC

World Down Syndrome Day 2015, March 21st.

世界唐氏综合征日, 3月21日.

World Down Syndrome Day , 21 March.

 Día Mundial del Síndrome de Down, 21 de marzo.

. متلازمة داون اليوم العالمي لل- 21 مارس

Всемирный день людей с синдромом Дауна, 21 марта.

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the World Down Syndrome Day 2015.

This year’s World Down Syndrome Day falls as the international community is striving to create a universal, transformative agenda for sustainable development. The links between disability, human rights and development span a wide spectrum of development issues relating to economic, social and environmental factors.  Every year on this observance, we reaffirm that persons with Down syndrome are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights.  This year, we must make every effort to ensure that the new sustainable development goals address equality and help build a life of dignity for all, including people with Down syndrome and other persons with disabilities.
Persons with Down syndrome face stigmatization, abuse and lack of support.  Too often, their challenges begin early in life when they are excluded from quality education systems.  Adequate access to health care, early intervention programmes and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome. 
The role of families is central to supporting persons with Down syndrome by promoting their equal status in society and empowering them to be their own advocates.  At the same time, we must recognize our collective responsibility to create conditions for all persons with disabilities to make valuable contributions to our shared future.  We must promote inclusive policies and raise awareness about social justice for people with Down syndrome, and do everything possible to enable them to live where they want and with whom, to form their own families, to administer their own assets and to pursue their own happiness.
I applaud all those who champion the rights and lives of persons with disabilities, and I urge others to support them.  Let us use this World Down Syndrome Day to advocate for a more socially just and inclusive world.

Ban Ki-moon

 

How people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

Our focus is ‘My Opportunities, My Choices’ – Enjoying Full and Equal Rights and the Role of Families in 2015

‘My Opportunities, My Choices’ (Information Leaflet) - Down Syndrome International

My Opportunities, My Choices,– Enjoying Full and Equal Rights and the Role of Families People with Down syndrome, on an equal basis with other people, must be able to enjoy full and equal rights,both as children and adults with ‘opportunities’ and‘choices’.

People with Down syndrome face many challenges as children and adults which can include:

° being abandoned, subjected to abuse and segregated from their communities;
° being discriminated against and treated unequally in education s ystems;
°  being discriminated against and having health conditions misdiagnosed by health systems;
°limited opportunities to live independently, work and be fullyincluded in the community;
° a lack of control over the right to marry and have relationships and families;
°limited opportunities to vote, participate in public advocacy or be elected to public office.

These challenges prevent many people with Down syndrome from enjoying their basic human rights. Those directly or indirectly responsible for this may be families, education, health and social professionals, authorities or the general public and the primary reason for this is a failure to understand that people with Down syndrome are people first, who mayrequireadditional support, butshould be recognised by society on an equal basis with others, without discrimination on the basis of disability.

Preamble (X) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) confirms that “persons with disabilities and their family members should receive the necessary protection and
assistance to enable families to contribute towards the full and equal enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities.”

In order for people with Down syndrome to enjoy full and equal rights, their families, who have a deep personal interest in their well-being, must be informed and empowered to promote the equal status of their family members in society, so that they can provide support, advocate foropportunities and choices in all aspects of life and crucially so that they can empower people with Down syndrome to express their own views freely on all matters affecting them and make their own decisions, as well as advocate for themselves. Society can assist families to support children wi th Down syndrome to be protected from harm, to be heard, to have access to education and healthcare and to be fully included in their communities, with opportunities to participate, on an equal basis with others.

Adults with Down syndrome, on an equal basis with others, must have choices, be able to make decisions and have control in their lives. Society can assist families to ensure that people with Down syndrome have access to support they may require in exercising their legal capacity, to empower them to lead independent lives and be accepted and included as valued, equal and participating members of their communities.

On 21 March 2015, the 10th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and in the‘21’st anniversary year of the‘International Year of the Family, Down Syndrome International will focus on the role of families and the positive contribution that they can make towards the enjoyment of full and equal rights for people with Down syndrome.

World Down Syndrome Day - General Poster - 2015 

World Down Syndrome Day - Family Poster - 2015 

The twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF)