UAE becoming leader in inclusive practices: 5th Incluzun Summit
- National Inclusive Practice Awards recognize schools, organisations in fostering inclusion
- Future looks bright for inclusion in the UAE
- Ceremony held under the patronage of Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organization
- Siemens Energy, Majid Al Futtaim, Beach Rotana, and the Emirates Literature Foundation sponsor awards
Incluzun, a certified social enterprise dedicated to empowering People of Determination across the MENA region, hosted the 5th Incluzun Summit and the prestigious National Inclusive Practice Awards on Day 2 of the 6th AccessAbilities Expo, the largest event for People of Determination in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
The Expo, a key event in promoting accessibility and inclusion, provided the perfect platform for Incluzun to showcase its services, achievements, and ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families with special needs in the region.
The National Inclusive Practice Awards celebrate the efforts of organizations, schools, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to fostering inclusion in the UAE. This year’s ceremony, held under the patronage of His Excellency Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organization, was an inspiring occasion, bringing together leaders in the field of inclusion.
The event was a momentous success, with Siemens Energy, Majid Al Futtaim, Beach Rotana, and the Emirates Literature Foundation sponsoring the awards. Each sponsor played a crucial role in supporting the mission to recognize and reward excellence in inclusive practices. The two winners received cash prizes of 15,000 AED each, a testament to the importance of their work in creating inclusive environments across education, workplaces, and communities.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Abdulla Al Humaidan praised the commitment of organizations like Incluzun and their partners in advancing the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in inclusive practices. He highlighted the collaborative efforts that are essential for creating a society where People of Determination have equal opportunities to succeed.
The 5th Incluzun Summit, which drew a large and engaged audience, brought together international experts, educators, and advocates for inclusion, all of whom are dedicated to creating environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive.
The summit was sponsored by leading inclusive organizations, including GEMS Education, Vedatma, Texthelp, Widgit, and the Witherslack Group. These organizations, known for their pioneering work in supporting schools and teachers worldwide, were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. Through a series of dynamic panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, the summit tackled the most pressing issues in the world of inclusion, offering practical insights and innovative solutions for educators and policy-makers alike.
One of the key focuses of the summit was exploring sustainable practices in the inclusion sector, aligning with the Global Sustainability Goal 8, which emphasizes inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. This is a goal close to the heart of Incluzun’s mission, as the organization strives to create long-term, meaningful impact in the lives of People of Determination.
Founded with a clear vision of creating pathways to education and workforce opportunities for People of Determination, Incluzun has quickly become a cornerstone of the inclusive landscape in the UAE and the broader MENA region. The organization supports over 400 schools across the UAE, providing tailored solutions for individuals with special needs and their families.
One of the flagship services Incluzun offers is the sourcing and training of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs). Through a uniquely customized approach, Incluzun ensures that each LSA is matched to the specific needs of the child, school, or family they serve. This approach includes continuous up-skilling, tight monitoring of provision, and daily communication, ensuring the highest quality of support for each individual.
“Our mission is to make inclusion not just an option, but the norm in schools and workplaces across the region,” said Harmeet and Dr. Catherine, the passionate founders of Incluzun.
“We believe that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves access to quality education and opportunities. Through our work, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent People of Determination from realizing their full potential.”
Incluzun’s work goes beyond education; the organization also provides comprehensive consultancy services for schools, helping them on their inclusion journey. From strategic planning and documentation to tracking and inspection preparation, Incluzun’s team of experienced inclusion specialists ensures that schools are fully equipped to meet the needs of all their students.
In a significant recognition of their expertise and leadership in the field, Incluzun recently assumed the position of Vice Chair of Inclusive Practitioners in the Gulf, a role founded at UNESCO Paris 2024. This position allows Incluzun to further advocate for inclusive practices at an international level, working closely with global leaders to shape the future of education and workforce integration for People of Determination.
As Incluzun continues to grow and expand its services, the future looks bright for inclusion in the UAE. The success of the National Inclusive Practice Awards and the Incluzun Summit at the Accessibilities Expo has solidified Incluzun’s role as a key player in promoting inclusive practices not only in the UAE but across the MENA region.
By providing access to education, workforce integration, and professional support for schools, Incluzun is helping to create a society where People of Determination can thrive.
“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but this is just the beginning,” said Harmeet. “There is still so much work to be done, and we are excited to continue driving change, empowering individuals, and working towards a more inclusive future for all.”
For more information about Incluzun and its services, please visit www.incluzun.com.