Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation Grants $11m to Expand Global Inclusive Education
<p><strong>Abu Dhabi, September 25, 2025</strong> – The <strong>Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity</strong> has announced a landmark <strong>$11 million grant</strong> to the <strong>Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education</strong>, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The funding will significantly expand the <strong>Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program</strong>, a transformative initiative that promotes inclusive education for students with and without intellectual disabilities.</p><p>This investment will scale the program to <strong>10 new countries</strong>, strengthening the global network of <strong>152 nations</strong> already engaged in advancing equality through sport, youth leadership, and education.</p><h3>Driving Inclusive Education Globally</h3><p>The UCS program is designed to create school environments where every student—regardless of ability—is valued, respected, and included. It uses the power of <strong>sports, mentorship, and peer leadership</strong> to break down barriers and foster a culture of belonging.</p><p>With the new grant, the program will also launch a <strong>professional development platform</strong> to train more than <strong>6,000 educators worldwide</strong>, including teachers, coaches, and mentors. This platform will focus on equipping educators with inclusive teaching strategies that can transform classrooms and reshape school culture.</p><p>The funding will also help expand the <strong>Corps of Inclusive Educators</strong>, a global mentorship network that provides peer-to-peer support and technical guidance to teachers and school leaders. This initiative ensures that inclusive practices are not just introduced but embedded sustainably within education systems.</p><h3>Building on a Legacy of Inclusion</h3><p>The <strong>Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education</strong> was established in 2020 through a <strong>$25 million gift</strong> from President <strong>His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan</strong>, following the success of the <strong>Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019</strong>. Since its creation, the center has served as a hub for research, policy, and programming to drive inclusive education at a global level.</p><p>To date, the Global Center has supported <strong>2,831 Unified Champion Schools worldwide</strong>, directly engaging over <strong>1.1 million young people</strong> and training nearly <strong>20,000 educators</strong>.</p><h3>Voices of Support</h3><p><strong>Yousef Al Otaiba</strong>, UAE Ambassador to the US and a member of the Special Olympics Board of Directors, emphasized the UAE’s global vision:</p><blockquote><p><i>“Under the guidance of our leadership, the UAE is committed to fostering societies where youth of all abilities are empowered and celebrated. This grant reflects our belief in advancing equality and the power of global collaboration.”</i></p></blockquote><p><strong>Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei</strong>, Acting Director General of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, highlighted the transformative role of education:</p><blockquote><p><i>“Inclusive education has the power to reshape communities and inspire change beyond classrooms. With this partnership, we continue a legacy that began in Abu Dhabi and expand it globally, ensuring every child can thrive.”</i></p></blockquote><p><strong>Dr. Timothy Shriver</strong>, Chairman of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, praised the bold commitment:</p><blockquote><p><i>“This grant is not charity—it is transformation. By scaling the UCS program, we are building education systems rooted in dignity, equality, and the limitless potential of young people.”</i></p></blockquote><p>For athletes like <strong>Patience Irfasha</strong> of Rwanda, the impact is personal:</p><blockquote><p><i>“Participating in Unified Sports changed my life. I’ve made friends I never thought I’d meet, and I learned that everyone has something valuable to contribute.”</i></p></blockquote><h3>Why It Matters</h3><p><strong>Global Reach:</strong> Expansion into 10 new countries strengthens a worldwide movement for inclusion.</p><p><strong>Educator Training:</strong> More than 6,000 teachers and coaches will gain tools to foster inclusive learning.</p><p><strong>Sustainable Change:</strong> The Corps of Inclusive Educators will embed inclusive practices into school cultures.</p><p><strong>Youth Empowerment:</strong> Over a million young people already impacted, with numbers set to rise significantly.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>This $11 million grant underscores the UAE’s <strong>global leadership in humanitarian initiatives</strong> and its long-standing commitment to empowering youth of determination. As the Unified Champion Schools program grows, it represents not only an educational initiative but also a <strong>global movement for equality and respect</strong>.</p><p>With Abu Dhabi at its heart, the world is witnessing how a vision born at the <strong>Special Olympics World Games 2019</strong> continues to reshape classrooms, empower communities, and inspire lasting transformation across continents.</p>