While celebrating the World Down Syndrome Day, the Georgian Down Syndrome Association held its 5^th conference, which was opened by the First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Ekaterine Dgebuadze. The conference participants discussed issues of development, education and employment promotion for children and adolescents with Down Syndrome and discussed the challenges in this regard.

Ekaterine Dgebuadze addressed the audience and spoke about the projects implemented to promote the development of inclusive education. She noted that the involvement of every organization, individual and especially parents in the process of supporting inclusive education is absolutely essential. It was through cooperation and joint efforts that important steps were taken in Georgia to support the rights of each student, in particular, the Code of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, was developed and various laws have been amended.

The First Deputy Minister paid special attention to raising the qualification of specialists working with special students and noted that professional standards have already been developed in this direction and a number of important events are planned in the future.

The Georgian Down Syndrome Association holds an annual conference to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day. The event was attended by members of the association and representatives of public agencies, as well as the members of the International Down Syndrome Association. The participants shared their experiences and best practices with the attending public.

The main message of the International Day of Down Syndrome in 2021 is - #Connecting. The message has a special significance as it unites the international community.