Positive Exposure to photograph the 15th World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

Watch Online: The whole event will be streamed LIVE for you to watch from wherever you are. Note that there are different links for the morning and afternoon sessions.

The 2026 World Down Syndrome Day theme, “Together Against Loneliness,” focuses on raising awareness of how loneliness disproportionately affects people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, as well as their families.

It highlights that loneliness is not just an emotional feeling but a serious health issue that can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical harm, often linked to social exclusion and stigma.

The campaign calls for real inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities, emphasizing that being present does not equate to being included or truly connected. It stresses that everyone – individuals, families, organizations, schools, employers, and governments – has a role in creating welcoming spaces and meaningful relationships to help people feel they belong.

Ultimately, the theme frames loneliness as a human rights issue, urging collective action to turn the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into concrete change that ends isolation and promotes full participation in society.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health.

Adequate access to health care, to early intervention programmes, and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of the individual.

In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year. In order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly 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.

On March 19 and 21, there will be a number of events at the United Nations in Geneva to mark World Down Syndrome Day.