"International Inclusive Inclusion" ِJamela Al Qasimi an honorary lifetime membership for her substantial contributions in supporting the rights of people with disabilities.

 
Jamela Al Qasimi: The lifetime membership is an international recognition of Sharjah’s journey and a responsibility to continue the path of advocacy and empowerment
Sue Swenson: The membership is granted to those who have made a significant impact on people with intellectual disabilities and their families.


Sharjah – The European Sun Channel
Inclusion International, the global federation advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, has awarded honorary lifetime membership to Shaikhah Jamela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.
This prestigious honor recognizes her significant contributions to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and promoting their rights on a global scale.
An International Certificate of Recognition
The honorary membership certificate, signed by Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, and Vice President Luis Gabriel Villarreal, was presented during the 2025 global conference “We Are Inclusion.”
It reflects the organization’s appreciation of Shaikhah Jamela’s longstanding leadership and commitment to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families worldwide.
A Humanitarian Leadership Approach
Shaikhah Jamela Al Qasimi emphasized that this international recognition is a tribute to the Emirate of Sharjah under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has established a humanitarian approach rooted in justice and inclusivity, prioritizing the rights of persons with disabilities.
She stated:
> “I am honored to receive this lifetime membership from Inclusion International, the global voice for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
I consider this recognition a renewed responsibility to continue advocating for inclusion, defending rights, and empowering the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in their communities.”

A Global Voice for Change
Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, said:
“Honorary lifetime membership is awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact on the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families around the world. We are proud to honor Shaikhah Jamela Al Qasimi, who embodies the spirit of collaboration we experience in Sharjah.”
She added
“As a founding member of Inclusion International’s Middle East and North Africa network and a board representative for 12 years, Shaikhah Jamela played a key role in uniting regional members and hosted our first-ever global conference in the region. I am pleased to grant this honor in recognition of her dedication and impact.”
Alignment of Missions

This honor highlights the deep alignment between the mission of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and the principles of Inclusion International. More than 3,000 individuals with disabilities have benefited from the city’s initiatives, which reflect the federation’s core pillars:
Legal Capacity: Establishment of a Self-Advocacy Unit that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in conferences and decision-making.
Inclusive Education: Services provided to over 1,307 beneficiaries, along with partnerships with the UAE Ministry of Education to support inclusive schooling.
Independent Living: Programs that enable participation in sports, culture, arts, and community life (e.g., Sharjah Heritage Days).
Employment: Employment of 65 persons with disabilities and hosting of the International Inclusive Employment Forum in 2023.
Family Support: The founding of the Parents Association of Persons with Disabilities to enhance the family’s role in education and rehabilitation.
A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Since assuming leadership of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in 1983, Shaikhah Jamela has led transformative efforts, including the establishment of specialized centers and sustainable initiatives that raise awareness of disability rights.
Internationally, she served on the board of Inclusion International from 2012 to 2024, and her efforts contributed to the issuance of UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 on the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as the UAE’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009.
Sharjah: A Global Model of Humanitarian Inclusion
This recognition is a testament to Sharjah’s standing as an inspiring global model for humanitarian inclusion and further amplifies Shaikhah Jamela Al Qasimi’s voice in shaping international strategies for the rights of persons with disabilities.