Together for Inclusion: European Self-Advocacy Summit 2026

EU for Trisomy 21 invites you to the European Self-Advocacy Summit 2026

As part of our World Down Syndrome Day activities, EU for Trisomy 21 is pleased to invite participants to the European Self-Advocacy Summit 2026, which will take place online on 26 March 2026 at 18:00 CET. You can already register via the application form here. The event marks the launch of the European Self-Advocacy Network, a new initiative bringing self-advocates together across Europe to strengthen their voice, build cross-border connections, and create new opportunities for participation and advocacy.

During the summit, we will also introduce the European Self-Advocacy Training Programme, developed by the EU for Trisomy 21 Network together with partners across Europe. A special feature of the programme is that it is taught by self-advocates themselves, together with a supporting trainer.

The event will open with Maria James from Malta, who will present the European Self-Advocacy Network Charter and reflect on her experience of speaking at our World Down Syndrome Day event at the European Parliament on 25 March. Participants will also hear from Alex Agius Saliba, Member of the European Parliament, on the importance of including people with intellectual disabilities in the conversations and decisions that affect their lives. The programme will then centre on the voices of self-advocates themselves, with Anna Virág from Hungary a Simone Bello from Italy sharing their experience of teaching and participating in the European Self-Advocacy Training Programme, and reflecting on what it means to be a self-advocate.

The summit will be held online, will last 45 minutes, and will include interpretation in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Romanian, Maltese, Hungarian, Czech, and Polish.

This event is organised within the Together for Inclusion project, which is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme. The related international online activities are designed to bring together participants from across partner countries to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and support the establishment of the European Self-Advocacy Network.

Event details

Date: 26 March 2026

Time: 18:00 CET

Format: Online

Duration: 45 minutes

Interpretation: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Romanian, Maltese, Hungarian, Czech, and Polish

Application form

We would be very happy to welcome you to this important new step for self-advocacy in Europe.