Held from 11 to 13 June 2026 at UNITAR’s Kelana Jaya campus, the carnival brings together government leaders, educators, families, NGOs, and industry partners, underscoring a collective commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible society.

The launch was officiated by YB Puan Anfaal Binti Saari, EXCO Pembangunan Wanita & Kebajikan Masyarakat, Selangor, and attended by YB Senator Isaiah Jacob, Member of Upper House (Ahli Dewan Negara), and Chairman of the Commonwealth Persons with Disabilities.

YB Puan Anfaal Binti Saari emphasised the importance of moving from awareness to sustained action:

“We must move beyond awareness towards building systems that genuinely support neurodivergent individuals and their families. Inclusion is not the responsibility of one sector—it requires collaboration across government, education, and the wider community to ensure no one is left behind. Importantly, the private sector, including institutions like UNITAR, plays a critical role in advancing this agenda and advocating for inclusive practices in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Moving beyond awareness campaigns, the carnival highlights a national transition towards practical, ecosystem-driven inclusion, with strong emphasis on family support, caregiver empowerment, and long-term community frameworks.

The initiative aligns with broader national priorities to embed inclusion across education, employment, and community participation, recognising that sustainable impact requires collaboration across sectors and accessible systems.

UNITAR continues to play a leading role in this space by equipping educators, strengthening inclusive practices, and expanding access to flexible learning pathways for diverse learners.

Professor Dr Mallika Govindarajoo, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Humanities at UNITAR Education Group, highlighted the role of education in shaping inclusive futures:

“Inclusive education is not just about access—it is about belonging, dignity, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully. At UNITAR, we are committed to preparing educators and communities to embrace neurodiversity as a strength, while creating environments where every learner can thrive.”

The carnival is delivered in collaboration with a strong network of partners, including Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC Malaysia), The Autism Cafe Project, Malaysian Indian Chef Association (MICA), Bethany Home, Beautiful Gate Foundation, Tender Hearts Café, Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH), Hatching Centre, Malaysian Care, NASOM (National Autism Society of Malaysia), Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB), and Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (YANIS), alongside government agencies and community organisations.

The programme features experiential workshops, public forums, exhibitions, performances, and entrepreneurial initiatives, offering participants hands-on engagement in areas such as art therapy, inclusive cooking, music and movement, robotics, and sensory learning.

Importantly, the carnival also amplifies real voices from parents, caregivers, and neurodivergent individuals, bridging the gap between policy frameworks and lived experiences.

A key focus of the initiative is extending inclusion beyond education into employability, independent living, and economic participation, reinforcing the importance of dignity, purpose, and equal opportunity.

The UNITAR Neurodivergent Carnival 2026 reinforces that inclusion is a shared, long-term responsibility, requiring sustained collaboration across institutions, communities, and society.