2024 end of year message
As 2024 comes to an end we revisit the highlights from our year as we continue to champion inclusion worldwide.
World Down Syndrome Day
In March, Down Syndrome International (DSi) celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, with a global wave of awareness and advocacy for inclusion.
We hosted an inspiring two-day conference in New York, where self-advocates and supporters shared personal experiences about healthcare challenges.
Speaking to government officials and UN representatives, we launched a powerful new campaign for health equity for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
This campaign draws from insights gathered across 103 countries, aiming to empower the Down syndrome community and push for real change.
As we head into 2025, our health equity network will continue driving innovative strategies to improve health outcomes worldwide.
Conference of States Parties
In June, our team participated in the United Nations Conference of States Parties, highlighting how conflict impacts people with Down syndrome and their families.
Stories from Cameroon, Ukraine, and Gaza revealed the urgent need for greater support and protection for this vulnerable group.
World Down Syndrome Congress
In July, we teamed up with Down Syndrome Australia to host the World Down Syndrome Congress.
Over 1,000 people from 45 countries came together to share ideas, experiences, and a united vision to champion the rights and abilities of people with Down syndrome.
The theme, “Together We Can: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion,” echoed throughout the event, emphasizing our shared goal: to ensure people with Down syndrome are valued, heard, and respected everywhere.
Listen Include Respect guidelines
Throughout 2024, we’ve continued promoting the Listen Include Respect guidelines. Excitingly, these guidelines will soon be available in Chinese (Mandarin), Arabic, and Indonesian, reaching even more communities.
We have worked to support organisations using the Listen Include Respect guidelines, including Fundacion Saraki, the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF and the Disability Reference Group, and the International Disability and Development Consortium.
Meanwhile, our UK-based self-advocates have been busy supporting organisations worldwide through various consultancy projects, sharing their expertise and insights.
DSi team and network
We’re incredibly grateful to Janet Charchuk, our first Board member with Down syndrome, for her amazing contributions in her first year.
We’re thrilled to welcome Angus Graham from Australia, who brings valuable business experience and leadership skills as a former Chair of Down Syndrome Australia.
We also bid farewell to three exceptional board members: Penny Robertson, a founding member whose efforts laid the foundation for DSi’s progress; Patrick Clarke, who spent over 15 years fighting for the rights of people with Down syndrome in Ireland, Europe and worldwide; and Darren Warkcup, whose expertise made a significant impact during his three years with us.
Our Ambassadors Committee welcomes Charlotte Woodward from the United States, who brings a strong passion for education policy.
At the same time, we say goodbye to Kate Powell from the UK, who has been a dedicated and valuable Ambassador for many years.
Finally, we’re excited to welcome five new member organisations from Egypt, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Eswatini, bringing our global network to an incredible 156 members!
Thank you!
Your support has been the driving force behind all our activities this year.
We’ve accomplished so much, but there’s still a lot more to achieve.
If you’ve already donated, thank you for your generosity, we couldn’t continue this important work without you.
If you haven’t yet, please consider supporting us.
Together, we can continue to make positive changes a reality for people with Down syndrome worldwide.