APC holds closing session for 3rd term in Sharjah in mid-July

Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament, stated that the closing session will focus on social responsibility to encourage members to participate in community service and volunteer work at schools, neighbourhoods, municipal and national electoral committees, as well as raise awareness among their peers in their respective countries.

Al-Barout stated that since its inception in 2019, the Arab Children's Parliament has made national and Arab-level achievements by gathering Arab childhood experiences under one roof, advocating for children's rights based on scientific frameworks, and submitting recommendations to the Arab League Secretariat after approval by Arab children. 

In order to find answers to the topics under debate, the Parliament continues to improve children's presenting, scientific research, and debating abilities.

He also stated that the ideas presented under the dome of the Arab Children's Parliament confront problems because of differences in Arab nations' populations, resources, and development goals, with an emphasis on shared concerns such as children's rights to education.

Al-Barout clarified that the selection process for members of the Arab Children's Parliament adheres to basic regulations, stating that children aged 12 to 16 can be members in their respective countries or chosen by relevant authorities to represent their nations. The Arab Children's Parliament has an equal representation of males and females.

The Secretary-General noted that 48 boys and girls from 12 countries participated in the first term, 64 from 16 countries in the second term, and 76 from 19 countries in the third term, indicating that Arab countries are encouraging more people to express their opinions.

According to Al-Barout, the General Secretariat of the Children's Parliament has developed a variety of cultural training activities and programmes, as well as recreational ones, all with the primary goal of expanding children's knowledge and abilities.

Regarding the importance of cooperation with the University of Sharjah in the parliamentary qualification diploma, Al-Barout stated that hosting the Arab Children's Parliament in Sharjah stems from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, keenness to transfer the cumulative knowledge and experience gained by the Emirate in training and qualifying children over more than a quarter-century.

This method entails cooperating with sophisticated academic institutions in Sharjah, particularly the University of Sharjah, to give scientific educational instruction to Arab youngsters based on the most recent academic curriculum.

The Secretary-General continued by expressing that their ambition for the Parliament's future is to play an important role in creating Arab childhood leadership and cultivating thinking individuals committed to serving their countries.