PURPOSE: World Down Syndrome Day is observed on 21 March each year in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome; focus on improving connections to ensure that all people with Down syndrome can CONNECT and participate on an equal basis with others. Individuals with Down syndrome have tremendous untapped potential. On March 21st, the global Down syndrome community creates a single voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome. We need your support to continue our work improving the lives of people with Down syndrome.
FORUM: "Improve Our Support Systems." World Down Syndrome Day 2025. The theme is the message that we are asking supporters to share on and around March 21st. We call on all Governments to improve Our Support Systems. Self-advocates from around the world share their experience of support systems – what is good, what is not so good and what they want to change. Learn what say Charlotte from the USA; Muthoni from Kenya; Sam from England; Halis from Turkey; Sheri from South Africa; Carlos from Mexico; Pearl from Switzerland; Stuart from Scotland; Janet from Canada; Morgan from Indonesia; Eileen from Ireland and Emma from the United Kingdom. Participants are invited to speak at the Conference. Have you got something you would like to say about support systems? If the answer is yes, then you can apply to speak at the Conference. You can speak in person or make a video presentation. Apply to speak! Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WithUsNotForUs and #WorldDownSyndromeDay.
EVENTS: On Friday, March 21st, during the WDSD 2025 event at the United Nations Geneva; A special guided tour of the Palais des Nations for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Starting at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. as the Morning Activity.
At the Palais des Nations; From 1 p.m. to 2.00 p.m in the Bar Serpent; The under the theme "Improve Our Support Systems" A special celebration organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), in collaboration with Down Syndrome International (DSi) and Association Romande Trisomie 21 (ART 21) will be held. The Highlights:
Speeches from key representatives of the United Nations and the global Down syndrome community
Live performance
Recognition of efforts to enhance support systems for individuals with Down Syndrome
“Lots of Socks” themed photobooth.
This event is generously sponsored by several UN Permanent Missions including: The Permanent Mission of Belgium-Wallonie-Brussels, The Permanent Mission of Dominican Republic, the Permanent Mission of Lithuania and the Permanent Mission of Mexico.
the Afternoon session at the Palais des Nations (Room to be confirmed), from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with the panel discussion entitled "Improve Our Support Systems". This discussion will take place with the participation of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and will focus on ways to improve support systems for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.
From March 21st -22nd to mark the World Down Syndrome Day 2025, the Down Syndrome International network will host the 14th World Down Syndrome Day Conference (WDSDC) at the UNHQ in New York. Self-advocates, supporters, government and UN officials and NGO representatives will share knowledge, experience, and good practice. Come to the Conference in person. The Conference is an unforgettable experience. Walking into the inspiring United Nations headquarters where life-changing decisions are made. Mixing with advocates who share your vision of a better world. If you would like to join us in-person; Get the Agenda Programme and Register to participate!
PODCASTS - What inclusion means? The United Nations, in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”. Everyone should have the same opportunities, take part in the same activities, be able to go to the same places and enjoy the same experiences in life. But around the world people with Down syndrome and disabilities do not benefit from full and effective participation and inclusion in society. There are many reasons for this. One reason is a lack of agreed understanding about what inclusion is and what inclusive systems look like in practice. Listen to he audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Our message is simple “Improve Our Support Systems”. On March 21st each year, we speak up about the things that matter to people with Down syndrome around the world. To mark the #WorldDownSyndromeDay many of us will wear #LotsOfSocks in bright fun colours to raise awareness. Get the communication materials!
The World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day that takes place on 21 March every year. The Day has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2011. The United Nations have called on governments, UN officials and NGO representatives to work together to improve quality of life for people with Down syndrome and disabilities around the world. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for everyone to have the freedom to make their own choices. But people with Down syndrome often have poor or controlling support. Often their supporters do things For them, not With them.
The ways you can get involved and make a big positive difference
SHARE YOUR STORY
The best way to promote awareness of Down syndrome is for people with Down syndrome to share their own stories in their own words.
LIGHT UP A BUILDING
Landmarks around the world light up for WDSD – take a look and share your lit-up landmark with us.
BECOME AN ADVOCATE
Join our campaign to create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
GET INFORMED
Learn about Down syndrome from people with Down syndrome. Share your new knowledge with your friends, family and colleagues.
SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is a powerful tool enabling us to connect with people around the globe. Together our voices are the loudest!
TAKE PART IN AN EVENT
Find events happening in your area and online that you can join, or host your own event.
USE RESOURCE TO ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
Check out the resources which will help you to advocate for inclusion – whether its at school, your work place, in media or in public life.
WRITE OE RECORD SOMETHING
Why not make a video and upload it to DownTV? Or write about what #InclusionMeans to you on your website or in a blog?
FUNDRAISE
By doing something that you love or by setting yourself a new challenge, you can raise money to help improve the lives of people with Down syndrome around the world.