DUBAI, 2nd October, 2016 (WAM)--Down Syndrome International (DSI), based in the United Kingdom, has announced at a press conference held in London, that Dubai city won the bid to host World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in 2020.

This winning came amid world appreciation for the role played by the Emirates Down Syndrome Association.

The Down Syndrome International said in statement "Following receipt of a number of excellent applications to host World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) 2021, the Board of Down Syndrome International (DSi) has agreed to revert to a 2-year cycle for the WDSC, with effect from 2020. There were compelling reasons to accept the proposals of Emirates Down Syndrome Association, in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates following consultation with these parties." The Congress is the largest global conference for people with Down Syndrome and witnesses the participation of all countries worldwide.

Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, Chairman of the Board of Directors, announced this news and congratulated all for the great and international accomplishment.

Hareb also said, "we are pleased to extend our congratulations for the accomplishment to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and the UAE government and people".

He also confirmed that this achievement is seen as an international appreciation and recognition to the progress made by the UAE at all levels, particularly the high quality services and numerous regulation and laws that support people with disability in general and people with Down Syndrome in particular.

Hareb added that the Dubai Government, along with the efforts of Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, seek by 2020 to transfer Dubai to an international city that is friendly to people with disability.

"This appreciation also came as a culmination of the efforts that the Emirates Down Syndrome Association witnessed for more than a decade under the patronage of the wise leadership and support from the Ministry of Community Development, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, initiatives of the UAE President and the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai," he added.

The director of the board added that there will be a series of meetings and educational, medical and social events associated with the WDSC 2020 that will contribute to the improvement of the quality of lives for people with Down Syndrome worldwide. "People with Down Syndrome, activists, and advocates as well as professionals will present their experiences, and research results.

A family based event will also be held in parallel to the event and will focus on the challenges facing people with Down Syndrome such as societal inclusion," he added.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.