Emirates Down Syndrome Association submits bid to host World Congress
Date
7/14/2016 8:18:06 AM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
DUBAI, 14th July, 2016 (WAM) -- The Board of Directors of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, EDSA, has approved a decision to bid for the nomination to host the World Down Syndrome Congress, organised by Down Syndrome International every 3 years, as a representative of the United Arab Emirates.
This was announced by Eid Thani Harib, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, following the recent meeting of the board. He said that in light of the outstanding achievements of the UAE under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, there has been clearly seen progress in the services, systems and laws supporting people with disabilities. There is also a higher committee in pursuit of enabling Dubai to become a global city that is friendly to people with disabilities.
Since its establishment more than ten years ago, the EDSA has benefited from the support and the overseeing of the Ministry of Community Development and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, as well as the initiatives of the founders, volunteers and the Social Committee in the Council Executive.
Mr. Harib said that an application has been submitted to the congress organisers to register a bid to host the congress in the UAE in 2021.
A voting ceremony will be held to reveal which nation is to host the World Down Syndrome Congress in 2021 on 31st of July, 2016 in the British capital, London. Mr. Harib said that the Congress is a global event where research and issues related to Down Syndrome are shared and discussed with the aim of improving the quality of lives for people with the condition.
In parallel to the congress meetings, discussion groups will take place for residents and specialists to participate in and discuss challenges and issues related to people with Down Syndrome.
The country that hosts the congress is selected based on several criteria and should be distinct in its services for people with Down Syndrome. The last Congress in 2015 was held in India and next one will be held in 2018 in Scotland.
WAM/Hanaa/Moran