Did you know that 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day?
The video below explains how World Down Syndrome Day came to be and how we mark this important day each year.
World Down Syndrome Day was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to make sure they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everybody else. 21st March (21/3) matches the 3 copies of chromosome 21. This is unique to people with Down syndrome. World Down Syndrome Day has been an official part of the United Nations calendar since 2012. You can read the full history of World Down Syndrome Day at the bottom of this page.On 21st March each year, Down Syndrome International calls everyone to action with a theme to ensure the human rights of people with Down syndrome and works with it’s members to organise worldwide activities and discussions.
Join us to promote full inclusion on World Down Syndrome Day!
Why is it important to mark World Down Syndrome Day?
Around 1 in 800 babies is born with Down syndrome. It is the most common chromosomal disorder.
But sadly, all around the world, people with Down syndrome are treated badly…
They are denied a quality education.
They are denied good health care.
They are denied the chance to work and earn their own money.
They are not allowed to make decisions about their own lives.
Their voices are not heard!
The voices of people with Down syndrome and their families need to be heard because change is critical!
How you can help.
When the global Down syndrome community speaks up together, we are much louder! So, on 21 March we create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
Make your voice count!
Our resource hub is packed full of ideas and resources to help you make a difference on World Down Syndrome Day:
Resource hubWhat to say
The important messages that we need to share and the language to use in your messages.
About Down syndrome
Helpful information about the condition to help you better understand.
And how to say it
A social media toolkit with graphics and hashtag guides.
More ways to get involved on 21 March
Theme for 2026
Learn how loneliness impacts people with Down syndrome and how we can fight this together.
The Lots Of Socks campaign
Simply pick your most eye-catching socks. They might be mismatched socks or your boldest and most colourful socks, whatever takes your fancy!
History of WDSD
Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched and hosted the WDSD website from 2006-2010, on behalf of Down Syndrome International, for global activities to be recorded.
The Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome worked with the Down Syndrome International network to launch an extensive campaign to generate international support.
Following the joint work of Brazil and Poland, the resolution was adopted by consensus during the plenary meeting of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday 10 November 2011.
Down syndrome groups and associations around the world campaigned for their governments to co-sponsor the resolution. The resolution was eventually co-sponsored by 78 UN Member States.
In addition, Down Syndrome International launched an international petition for the adoption of World Down Syndrome Day by the UN. This received more than 12,000 signatures in a 2 week period and was presented to the Chair of the Third Committee.
On 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day.
See the UN page for World Down Syndrome DayThe General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, and invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome International would like to thank everyone who supported this campaign, with particular thanks to the Government of Brazil, the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome, all of our member organisations who appealed to their governments for support, and to everyone who signed our international petition.
Now on 21st March each year, Down Syndrome International calls everyone to action with a theme to ensure the human rights of people with Down syndrome and works with it’s members to organise worldwide activities and discussions.
These are the annual themes since the first World Down Syndrome Day in 2012:
Previous themes:
2020 – We Decide
2019 – Leave No One Behind
2018 – What I bring to my community
2017 – My Voice My Community
2016 – My Friends, My Community
2015 – My Opportunities, My Choices
2014 – Health and Wellbeing – Access and Equality for All
2013 – Right to Work
2012 – Building Our Future
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