- Student-led inclusive projects showcased from 12 Unified Champion Schools across all seven Emirates
- Event promoted youth leadership and inclusive values in education through the Unified Champion Schools program
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – May 9, 2025 – Special Olympics UAE hosted the Inclusive Youth Leadership Forum in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), bringing together students from across the country under the theme “Hand in Hand”—a celebration of unity, inclusion, and community leadership.
The one-day event, held in alignment with the UAE’s Year of Community, spotlighted youth-led projects from 12 Unified Champion Schools representing all seven Emirates. These schools span the public and private sectors and charter schools, highlighting the diversity and reach of the Unified Champion Schools program.
NYUAD played a critical role in the success of the event, offering support across training, logistics, catering, volunteer coordination, and providing the venue.
The forum offered students the opportunity to present their inclusive projects to a panel of community experts. These projects were designed and led by students of determination and their peers, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusive school environments. Students received feedback to help strengthen their projects and further their long-term impact within their school communities.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said: “The Inclusive Youth Leadership Forum reflects our continued investment in young leaders and our vision of schools as places where inclusion thrives. The creativity, leadership, and sense of purpose we see today from students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrate the program’s powerful impact. We are proud to see Youth Leadership Clubs helping shape a new generation of inclusive advocates—leaders who will drive change in their schools and beyond.”
He added, “Every student who participatied is a success story. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education and NYUAD for their steadfast support. We look forward to deepening our collaboration as we continue to build inclusive pathways for youth leadership.”
The forum celebrates student achievement and highlights the power of inclusive collaboration. Throughout the day, community experts had the opportunity to witness how young leaders are turning values of inclusion into real, sustainable change.”
Dr. Farah El Zein, Assistant Professor, Emirates College for Advanced Education and one of the community experts said: “The Special Olympics UAE team engaged stakeholders within the community in this meaningful initiative, the Inclusive Youth Leadership Forum. The initiative was successful in promoting authentic inclusion of students of determination in youth leadership engagements. In my view, one of the most meaningful aspects of this initiative was the focus on bridging interests and community expertise through creating an empowering space for innovation and leadership where everyone, including youth of determination, belongs and shines.”
The Inclusive Youth Leadership Forum is part of Special Olympics UAE’s efforts to elevate student voice and leadership as a cornerstone of inclusive education. As a key pillar of the Unified Champion Schools program—an internationally recognized model for inclusive school communities—the initiative empowers students of all abilities to lead change, shape culture, and inspire inclusive action.
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About Special Olympics UAE:
In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Mariam Bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President, and Her Excellency Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
The organization aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with mainstream society.
Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.
The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017.
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