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Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah hosts second session of Arab Parliament for the Child
The session welcomes participation from 14 Arab countries, with official delegations representing national children's parliaments and childhood institutions from across the Arab world. A unique Arab platform for young voices This session is being held in an atmosphere of notable Arab engagement, as Sharjah — a hub of intellectual, cultural and developmental initiatives for the Arab child — hosts 56 young parliamentarians representing their countries in this pioneering parliamentary experience. The initiative has become a prominent Arab platform for the voice of the child and a means of reinforcing values of dialogue, citizenship and belonging — serving as a model in empowering the Arab youth to express their opinions on issues that concern them. Wide official presence from Arab states The session will be attended by representatives of the Women, Family and Childhood Department of the Arab League, alongside official delegations from participating countries, representatives from the Arab Parliament, experts and media professionals. The participation of this number of Arab countries reflects the prominent status of the Arab Parliament for the Child and the high level of trust placed in its role in shaping the awareness and developing the promising talents of Arab children. Debate on cultural identity of Arab children The young parliamentarians will discuss a highly important topic during this session: 'The cultural identity of the Arab child.' This theme is considered a key foundation for addressing contemporary challenges, preserving the civilisational and cultural heritage of the Arab nation, and enhancing the sense of belonging among emerging generations. Rich and engaging programme A comprehensive agenda has been prepared for the session, including specialised workshops, dialogue sessions, and a general session where the young parliamentarians will present their views and ideas on the subject of cultural identity. These presentations will be based on working papers prepared by the children themselves, along with analytical studies to be presented in educational, social and cultural contexts. Sharjah's pivotal role in child advocacy Hosting the session in Sharjah affirms the UAE's vital role in supporting childhood issues at the Arab level. It also crowns the civilisational vision of the Emirate of Sharjah, established by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in making the emirate a lasting icon for the Arab child. This is achieved through cultural and intellectual projects such as the Arab Parliament for the Child, which stands as a fruitful collaboration between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Arab League. Statement from the Parliament Secretary-General His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of APC, stated: 'We are proud to convene the second session of the fourth cycle of the Arab Parliament for the Child amid broad Arab participation, reflecting everyone's commitment to investing in children's capacities and enhancing their involvement in public affairs.' Cultural identity as foundation for the future He added: 'The topic of cultural identity, which our children will discuss, is one of the fundamental pillars in safeguarding the Arab personality against challenges. We firmly believe that empowering the Arab child with enlightened and free expression is the cornerstone of a prosperous and cohesive future.' Gratitude for continuous support Al Barout continued: 'This distinguished event would not have been possible without the generous support and continuous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who believes in the Arab child's potential for excellence and leadership. We also appreciate the close follow-up of the Secretary-General of the Arab League, His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and his commitment to ensuring the success of this ambitious initiative.' Outcomes to support Arab strategies He confirmed that the session is expected to yield important recommendations on the cultural identity of the Arab child, to be submitted to relevant Arab bodies and utilised in supporting national strategies in this area. Since the Arab Parliament for the Child established its permanent headquarters in Sharjah in 2019, it has served as a leading Arab platform that amplifies the voice of children and contributes to preparing them as future decision-makers and active participants in the sustainable development of their communities and nations.
Sharjah 24
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah to host Arab Parliament for the Child
The event, supported by the League of Arab States and monitored by its Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, will welcome parliamentary child delegates from across the Arab world to take part in eight diverse activities that reflect a shared Arab identity and a strategic focus on empowering children. Activities to enhance skills and cultural identity Delegations will arrive on 22 July, followed by a full programme organised by the Parliament's General Secretariat in collaboration with UAE government, educational, and cultural institutions. Highlights include a visit to the 'Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators', where children will participate in a 'Skills Lab' promoting leadership, creativity, and teamwork. Sessions and workshops on parliamentary practice The parliament board will convene at the parliament's headquarters, followed by the second general session on 26 July at the Sharjah Consultative Council. The session will centre on the cultural identity of Arab children. The day prior will feature an intensive workshop preparing young parliamentarians in parliamentary tools, structured discussion, and presentation skills. Magazine launch and strategic commitment The 12th issue of The Young Parliamentarian magazine will also be launched during the event, offering a platform for children's voices and initiatives while documenting their parliamentary journey. Sharjah: A hub for empowering young leaders Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the APC, emphasised that hosting this session in Sharjah reflects the Emirate's leading role in supporting and empowering Arab youth. It aligns with the Arab vision of nurturing future leaders through structured, collaborative, and value-driven programmes. He added that Sharjah continues to affirm its position as a creative platform where empowerment, identity, and knowledge converge to shape confident, responsible generations for the future.
Sharjah 24
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
DGR delegation seeks way to cooperate with Bahrain
A delegation of senior representatives from Sharjah-based regional offices of international organisations were present including; Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child; Salem Omar Salem, Director of the Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) in Sharjah; and Nasser Al Darmaki, Deputy Regional Director of the ICCROM Regional Centre for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Arab World (ICCROM-Sharjah). Over the course of three days, the Sharjah delegation engaged with officials and representatives from prominent cultural, educational, and heritage institutions; including Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Dr Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, President of the University of Bahrain and Nawal Ibrahim Al Khater, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education. The delegation also conducted site visits to key heritage institutions, exploring leading initiatives dedicated to preserving both physical artifacts and immaterial traditions that constitute a society's cultural legacy Bahrain as a key partner in shaping the future of Arab culture Reflecting on the high-level diplomatic engagement, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said: 'This visit underscored Sharjah's ongoing commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, and we believe Bahrain plays an important role in shaping the cultural future of the Arab world. The Kingdom continues to offer exemplary models in the fields of education, cultural identity and heritage preservation.' 'By highlighting the vital contribution of international organisations that have Sharjah-based regional offices; and their efforts to bridge local initiatives with global efforts; it creates new opportunities for the exchange of expertise and the development of collaborative programmes. These are essential in supporting sustainable development goals while further consolidating Sharjah's status as a prominent international cultural centre,' he stated. Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, said: 'This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural and educational partnerships among Arab institutions. It stems from the Arab Child Parliament's belief in the importance of investing in knowledge and human development from early childhood, thereby reinforcing concepts of identity and belonging among children'. He added, 'Through these meetings, we aim to expand avenues of cooperation in the fields of cultural and educational upbringing of the Arab child, and to exchange experiences that promote a culture of dialogue and foster the creative capacities of future generations to actively participate in the sustainable development journey led by our nations with vision and ambition'. The Arab Child Parliament's participation in the official delegation to the Kingdom of Bahrain was an opportunity to enhance the regional parliamentary presence of children. The delegation explored leading Bahraini experiences in education, culture, and youth development, and discussed avenues of collaboration with institutions concerned with childhood. These efforts contribute to the development of impactful programs that enhance the capabilities of Arab children and empower them to express their visions and aspirations within a supportive and inspiring environment — all in line with Sharjah's vision to build a knowledgeable Arab generation aware of its role in shaping the future of our Arab nations. Strengthening regional and international cooperation Discussions held during the visit were centred on opportunities for collaboration in cultural and educational projects across the region, and formulating strategies to address common challenges through joint initiatives and capacity-building programmes; particularly those that advance sustainable development. The delegation also examined Bahrain's approaches to preserving cultural heritage, and the Sharjah-based regional offices looked at potential collaborative efforts to support and safeguard these assets. Guided by Sharjah's cultural and developmental vision, the Sharjah-based regional offices are leading impactful projects and initiatives across the Arab world; and this visit reinforces the emirate's role in fostering regional dialogue, facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation with counterpart institutions.
Sharjah 24
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Arab children's parliament joins child rights summit in Morocco
Arab Parliament for the Child represented by top official The Arab Parliament for the Child's delegation was led by the Secretary-General, Ayman Othman Al Barout, , who delivered a speech during the opening session. He conveyed greetings from the Parliament's headquarters in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and praised Morocco's leadership, under His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for its commitment to advancing child rights amidst modern social and technological shifts. Children as active partners in development Al-Barout emphasised that today's children are more aware and engaged than ever, enabling them to be active partners in sustainable development rather than passive recipients. He called for meaningful inclusion of children in planning, implementation, and evaluation processes through genuine dialogue platforms that allow them to express their aspirations and challenges. Key issues on the conference agenda He also stressed the importance of the conference as a platform for addressing critical issues such as violence against children—particularly online—digital transformation, climate change, inclusive education, mental health, and future skills. These are all subjects previously tackled by the Arab Parliament for the Child as part of its vision to equip young people with 21st-century tools. Recognition of Morocco's strong contribution The Secretary-General praised the Moroccan delegation to the Arab Parliament for the Child, describing it as a 'founding and outstanding delegation' known for its active engagement in parliamentary sessions and media presence, and affirmed that it consistently represents Morocco with distinction. Broad participation and forward-looking discussions The conference attracted wide participation from government institutions, national and international experts, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and child parliamentarians from across Morocco. Discussions centred on shaping a realistic roadmap for child protection up to 2030 that considers environmental, social, and technological changes. Children's voices call for action In a poignant address, child parliamentarian Abeer Bouqataia called on decision-makers to turn children's rights from aspirations into tangible realities, stressing that children's voices must not only be heard but also integrated into policy and decision-making. Ongoing efforts to empower young Arab voices Coinciding with Morocco's National Day for Children's Rights, the conference continues with a series of multidisciplinary participatory workshops aimed at producing practical recommendations to enhance child protection and shape more inclusive and equitable legislation. Since its establishment in 2019 under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, the Arab Parliament for the Child has worked to empower Arab children in parliamentary engagement, enabling them to express their views and contribute to shaping the future with a strong sense of participation and social responsibility.
Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
APC strengthens leadership in childcare, prepares future gen
The Parliament serves as a platform for Arab children to express their views and concerns. It aims to create a strong culture of awareness around their issues through educational programs. The APC organizes regular meetings where kids from different Arab countries can bring up their ideas and dreams for the future in a respectful and friendly environment. One of the key goals of the Parliament is to provide training and support that helps children develop personal and leadership skills. By doing so, it encourages them to participate in their communities and learn the importance of openness, dialogue, and respect for different opinions. Ayman Othman Al Barout, the Secretary-General of the APC, emphasized that the Parliament is working hard to ensure that children have a voice in educational and legislative matters across the Arab world. He noted that the successes of past sessions demonstrate the common commitment among Arab nations to prioritize childhood and prepare children to become the leaders and positive influences of tomorrow. Al Barout mentioned that the Parliament acts as a space for dialogue and is part of a broader cultural project aimed at nurturing a generation capable of expressing themselves freely and responsibly. This aligns with modern educational trends and highlights the spirit of cooperation among Arab nations. He praised the support from the Arab League, Arab countries, and the UAE for promoting childhood through laws and educational initiatives, creating a nurturing environment for this ambitious project based in Sharjah. He acknowledged the efforts made by local organizations to support the work of the Parliament. In its ongoing mission, the APC is committed to developing a comprehensive system for the well-being of Arab children. This effort focuses on fostering creativity and preparing the next generation to be active partners in societal development, carrying the message of children's issues to larger platforms. Ultimately, the goal is to build strong nations by first building up their people.
