The World Down Syndrome Day UN event is something we’re still trying to fully process after presenting our film on a global stage.
In March, we had the surreal honor of presenting our film On Loneliness at the United Nations—and somehow, this “little film” helped influence the official 2026 theme: “Together Against Loneliness.”
It’s hard to overstate how wild that feels.
The day itself was unforgettable. Leaders, advocates, and experts from around the world gathered to share stories & research, challenge assumptions, and imagine a more connected future. One speaker even performed Katy Perry’s “Firework” in Libras, Brazilian Sign Language (yes, really). There were voices from across the globe—including Iran—each bringing urgency, humanity, and hope into the room.
We’re incredibly grateful to Down Syndrome International and all the speakers who made the event so powerful. Being part of the World Down Syndrome Day UN gathering was a reminder of just how powerful storytelling can be in bringing people together. Even in a world that can feel divided, people are still choosing connection—honestly, creatively, and with real joy.
Below, Crisely reflects on what it felt like to experience it all firsthand.
Crisely Melecio-Zambrano, Euclid Home Life Leader & Recruitment Coordinator, reflects on speaking at the UN
If I’m being honest, I didn’t realize the importance of speaking at the UN until the morning of. We’ve gotten several opportunities to share On Loneliness in different settings. I’ve watched our little film enough times to get the song stuck on repeat in my head. So in some ways, it felt like just another opportunity to share with folks.
Then, the Monday morning of World Down Syndrome Day 2026, as I was supporting Ricky in adjusting his tie and listening to him scold me about needing to eat more breakfast from the uninspiring spread at the hotel, the texts started coming in from friends and family wishing us all the best, sharing their excitement. After passing through UN security on that rainy morning as we were trying (and perhaps failing) to make it to the Trusteeship Council Chamber on time, I flashed back to everything I knew about that building. I studied International and Global Studies in college and felt as though I had been in those rooms before because of all of the pictures and stories I had learned about the collective striving towards peace within those walls. We scurried to our seats in the front with our names lit up on the placards, and I looked down the panel at people sitting alongside us, people seen by the world as people in seats of power as ambassadors to the UN, and there we were alongside them.
And there was Ricky, so ready and willing to share a piece of his story and wisdom with the world, and delighting in his face being on the big screen for the world to see.
And then there were all the people who shared with us how much they saw themselves and their loved ones reflected in the film.
And then there was the infectious feeling of hope that moved around the room, not denying the pain and rampant breaking down of peace in this world, but looking at it head-on and saying we are still here, together.
