Morocco joins the Global Coalition for Inclusion

On June 23, 2026, Special Olympics Morocco reached a historic milestone by becoming the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to join the Global Coalition for Inclusion. This achievement reflects Morocco’s strong commitment to advancing inclusive education and building communities where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive regardless of their abilities.

The agreement was signed by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Soumia El Ouazzani, President of Special Olympics Morocco; Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports; Mr. Ayman Abdelwahab, President of Special Olympics Middle East North Africa; and Special Olympics athlete Ahmed Zouhair Hajji.

The Global Coalition for Inclusion brings together governments, organizations, and partners committed to creating opportunities for young people with and without intellectual disabilities to learn, play, and develop together. Through initiatives such as Unified Sports and Unified Champion Schools, the coalition promotes inclusion, leadership, and equal opportunities within schools and communities.

Since the launch of the Unified Schools program in Morocco in 2020, more than 150 schools have joined the initiative. Today, the program engages 872 Unified Athletes, 1,230 Unified Partners, and 225 Youth Leaders, contributing to the development of more inclusive schools and fostering a culture of belonging and acceptance.

This milestone reflects the continued commitment of Special Olympics Morocco and its partners to building a more inclusive society, where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and actively participate in their community.