14th Gulf Sociological Forum Kicks Off

May 19, 2024 / 12:44 PM

Sharjah24: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of Sheikh Majid bin Sultan bin Saqer Al Qasimi, the chairman of Districts Affairs Department, the Gulf Sociological Association and the Sociological Association in the UAE held their 14th Gulf Sociological Forum under the theme "Community Partnership in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries" on May 15th and 16th at the University of Sharjah. The event saw participation from public benefit associations from Gulf countries, governmental and federal institutions, experts, and professionals in the social field from across the Gulf.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants expressed their gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his noble patronage of the forum's activities, his care, and guidance in supporting the work of public benefit associations. They highlighted his unlimited support and assistance in meeting the requirements for community partnership and its developmental roles.

Empowering Partnerships:
The forum shed light on the importance and effectiveness of community partnership in empowering community institutions and public benefit associations working in areas such as childhood, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and addiction recovery. It emphasised the significance of community partnership in the development and enhancement of societies, showcasing regional and international community partnership projects and programmes.

According to Dr. Ruqaya Al Riyasi, Chairperson of the Sociological Association in the UAE, the forum presented research papers and conducted brainstorming sessions on various topics, aiming to translate concepts and proposals into practical social projects from theoretical and knowledge perspectives. The creative and innovative aspects of implementing these concepts and proposals to serve Gulf communities were highlighted, bridging the gap between theory and application.

Unified Concept of Community Partnership:
This slogan reflects the Gulf Sociological Association's recognition of the importance of contributing to the crystallisation of the concept of enhancing community partnership from a social perspective. It defines it as a necessity for activating and combining all available resources to meet the needs of all segments of society, male and female, children, youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This enhances partnerships between ministries, government agencies, civil society institutions, public benefit associations, and the private sector.

Participants:
The Executive Office of the Gulf Cooperation Council of Ministers of Social Affairs, members of the Gulf Sociological Association, members of sociological associations and networks in GCC countries, representatives from ministries of social affairs and development, labour, health, interior, education, and other relevant official and non-official entities in GCC countries, as well as associations for childhood, disability, the elderly, and addiction recovery, along with representatives of supporting entities for community partnership programs and projects.

Sharjah hosted the inaugural forum in 1987 under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.