Sharjah24: Helming a meeting with senior officials from Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM - Sharjah), and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Government Relations Department (DGR) in Sharjah, has underscored the strategic role and importance of the Arab Parliament for the Child in equipping successive generations of young parliamentary leaders.

Sheikh Fahim presented these observations during a second meeting organised by DGR and the collaborating entities to discuss youth empowerment strategies and reinforce efforts to enhance the leadership capabilities of Arab youth.  

During the discussions, which were held at the Arab Parliament for the Child headquarters in Sharjah, the DGR Chairman emphasised the necessity of increasing diplomatic awareness of the parliament’s role in addressing current and future challenges and empowering the next generation. The meeting focused on reviewing the Arab Parliament's operations and exploring collaboration opportunities with member states to achieve tangible progress in heritage, culture, and education. 

It was part of the DGR's broader goal to oversee and enhance the functions of the regional offices of international organisations based in Sharjah.

Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DGR; HE Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child; Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director General of ISESCO; Nasir Abdul Karim Al Darmaki, Deputy Director of the ICCROM-Sharjah Regional Office, along with several administrators and officials from DGR, attended the meeting. 

Sharjah's unwavering support
Sheikh Fahim expressed profound gratitude towards His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support of the Arab Parliament for the Child. The Chairman highlighted that His Highness’s support has been pivotal in developing children’s capabilities and preparing them as future leaders. 

Data and performance based goal setting 
The DGR Chairman and officials of the Arab Parliament for the Child agreed upon publishing the outcomes of the initiatives led by the parliament in the past five years along with recommendations that resonate with the aspirations of Arab children. He noted that the DGR is dedicated to supporting the parliament's goals and fostering Arab cooperation. 

A dream realised in Sharjah
Ayman Othman Al-Barout remarked that the establishment of the Arab Parliament for Child was a long-held dream that materialised through the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, who established its permanent secretariat in Sharjah. Al-Barout underscored the importance of collaborating with the DGR to realise the shared Arab vision for the Parliament's objectives, which involves sharing Sharjah’s exceptional experience in child culture and capacity development.

During the meeting, Mohamed Al Housani, Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs, presented an organisational overview, outlining its establishment, parliamentary sessions, discussions and issued recommendations. His presentation highlighted the positive indicators that affirm the Parliament's achievements since its inception in 2019, with membership expanding to 19 Arab countries by the third session.