The United Nations celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day has been an official part of the United Nations calendar since 2012.
Each year, Down Syndrome International hosts the World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and a series of events at the United Nations in Geneva.
These events bring together self-advocates and other experts with governments, UN officials and NGO representatives to talk about important human rights issues for people with Down syndrome and disabilities around the world.
People with Down syndrome and their families come from around the world to speak up.
New York
2026 will see the 15th Conference take place with self-advocates and other experts sharing their knowledge and experience of loneliness and what they believe needs to change.
The Conference will take place on Monday 23 March.
For more information and to learn how you can take part in this event, please visit the event website:
Geneva, Switzerland
Each year, we work with Down syndrome organisations in Switzerland to coordinate activities at the United Nations in Geneva to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
This is another opportunity for self-advocates to share their expertise on a global stage.
These activities will take place on 19 and 21 March.
Visit the DSi website to learn how you can take part:
What is happening where you are.
All around the world, Down syndrome organisations are preparing to take action on 21 March. We encourage you to connect with the Down syndrome community in your part of the world and learn how you can support local action.
Connect with your communityLight up a landmark for World Down Syndrome Day
On World Down Syndrome Day, landmarks across the globe are lit in a dazzling display of blue and yellow lights, a symbol of solidarity for the Down syndrome community.
From the iconic Empire State Building in New York City to the soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Bridges, city halls, schools and universities, sports stadiums, and countless other landmarks are joining in the tribute.
We would love to see your landmark lit up for World Down Syndrome Day.
Organise an event for World Down Syndrome Day
When the global Down syndrome community speaks up together, we are much louder!
Take action on 21 March and make your voice count!
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 hubOrganise a Lots Of Socks day at your setting
We have posters and activities to keep everyone entertained.
Organise a fundraiser
Raise funds to help us make the world better for people with Down syndrome.
Raise awareness
Our ‘What to say’ guide explains the important messages that we need to share and the language to use in your messages.
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Sign up for updates, including new resources and activities to help you mark this important day and make a difference for people with Down syndrome around the world.
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