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.

 

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - 21 March

Message of the Secretary-General for 2012

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an important opportunity to remember the pernicious impact of racism.
Racism undermines peace, security, justice and social progress. It is a violation of human rights that tears at individuals and rips apart the social fabric.
As we mark this International Day under the theme of “racism and conflict,” my thoughts are with the victims.
Racism and racial discrimination have been used as weapons to engender fear and hatred. In extreme cases, ruthless leaders instigate prejudice to incite genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
There are many valuable treaties and tools – as well as a comprehensive global framework – to prevent and eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Nevertheless, racism continues to cause suffering for millions of people around the world. It thrives on ignorance, prejudice and stereotypes.
The United Nations is responding by working to foster inclusion, dialogue and respect for human rights. Where societies have been shattered by conflict, the United Nations strives to promote peace processes and peacebuilding that foster inclusion, dialogue, reconciliation and human rights. Uprooting racism and prejudice is essential for many war-torn societies to heal.
At the same time, I look to all people to join the United Nations in our drive to eliminate racism. We must, individually and collectively, stamp out racism, stigma and prejudice.
This year, we are spreading the word through social media. Visit our new website: "Let's Fight Racism!". Tweet your support with the hashtag #FightRacism. Share the text of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination with the link http://bit.ly/xGOrnX. Post to one of our Facebook pages in English, French or Spanish. Or create your own campaign.
Join us, on this International Day, in spreading awareness to stop racism.

Ban Ki-moon