World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
Why mark WDSD?
On this one day we have a chance to make a change. A better chance that any other day!
And a change is needed more than you know…
So, on 21 March we create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
When the global Down syndrome community speaks up together, we are much louder!
History of WDSD
Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched and hosted the WDSD website from 2006-2010, on behalf of Down Syndrome International (DSi), for global activities to be recorded.
The Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome worked with DSi and its members 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, DSi 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.
The 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.
WDSD themes
Each year, DSi develops a theme for WDSD. The theme forms the basis of a global campaign. The Down syndrome community raise their voices together to take steps towards full inclusion for people with Down syndrome everywhere.
Previous themes for WDSD:
2022 – Inclusion Means
2021 – Connect
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
On World Down Syndrome Day 2023, we call for people and organisations around the world to be…
With Us Not For Us
