Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – On Friday, November 14, 2025, Burkina Faso marked a historic milestone on its journey toward a more inclusive society. Under the visionary leadership of the Honorable Roland Somda, Minister of Sport, Youth, and Employment, the Government of Burkina Faso officially joined the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. The moment was commemorated in a vibrant signing ceremony in Ouagadougou, led by Minister Somda and Dr. Toé, a dedicated board member of Special Olympics Burkina Faso.
By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Burkina Faso has pledged to expand Special Olympics Unified Sports® programs throughout the country. Over the next three years, this groundbreaking partnership will introduce Unified Sports into 60 schools, offering transformative opportunities for 2,250 youth, including Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners. This initiative is not simply a promise, but it is a bold, actionable step towards nurturing a culture of acceptance, respect, and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities within the educational system and beyond.
“For us, progress is reflected in the attention given to the most vulnerable. This partnership illustrates our commitment to valuing diversity and offering opportunities to every Burkinabè. Together, we are building the path to a fairer, more united and inclusive future,” shared Minister Roland Somda of the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and Employment.
Burkina Faso now proudly stands as the 18th country, and the first francophone nation in the Africa Region, to join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. This milestone reflects the country’s unwavering dedication to creating a society where every person, regardless of ability, can reach their full potential. By formally joining the Global Coalition for Inclusion, the Government of Burkina Faso and Special Olympics Burkina Faso reaffirm their shared commitment to removing barriers and advancing a spirit of unity and inclusion.
“We are proud to lead by example in Francophone West Africa, and we will support other Francophone Programs to join this transformative, life-changing and community building program,” said Dr. Ernest Toé, Special Olympics Burkina Faso Board Member.
“This collaboration is more than an agreement — it is a promise of hope, unity, and empowerment for thousands of families and communities. Every young person, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to shine,” added Annik Pikbougoum, National Director of Special Olympics Burkina Faso and a local educator and advocate.
The signing of this MoU is not just a formal agreement; it is a rallying call for transformation. It marks a significant milestone in Burkina Faso’s journey toward championing the rights and opportunities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through this partnership, Burkina Faso is shining a beacon of hope throughout the region, inspiring countries near and far to follow its courageous example.
“This collaboration will empower our fellow athletes, promote unity, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Unified Sports brings our schools and communities together, inspiring us all to embrace inclusion and celebrate the unique strengths of each individual,” added Nyasha Derera, Coordinator, Athlete Leadership and Youth Engagement, Special Olympics Africa.
As Burkina Faso embarks on this new chapter with the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, it reaffirms the nation’s belief that together, every boundary can be overcome, every community can be united, and every individual can thrive.
“I am optimistic that more governments in the Africa Region will join the Global Coalition for Inclusion as they have witnessed the value of the Coalition considering that it supports the fulfilling part of the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (UN-SDG) and the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, (CRPD) to which most governments are signatories. What is more important is that the Unified Sports activities held in the schools through the Global Coalition for Inclusion, as suggested by research conducted, displays that the school communities are impacted positively make learning conducive and attractive to all learners.”
Charles Nyambe, Special Olympics Africa President & Managing Director
The Coalition, made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), is strengthened by key global and civic stakeholders including Lions Clubs International Foundation, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Fondation Botnar, and textile brand H&M Move. Together, their support helps drive community-based inclusion efforts worldwide.
For more information and ongoing initiatives visit Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
