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APC discusses issues to be raised during 4th session

February 04, 2025 / 12:10 PM
APC discusses issues to be raised during 4th session
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Sharjah 24: In preparation for the upcoming fourth session of the Arab Parliament for the Child, scheduled to take place in February 2025 in Sharjah, Ayman Othman Al Barout, the Secretary-General of the Parliament, shared key details about what to expect. He discussed the main topics that will be addressed during this session and introduced some exciting new initiatives. The focus will be on empowering Arab children and ensuring they have a voice in decisions that impact their lives and futures. Al Barout also highlighted the progress made by the Parliament since it was established, showcasing achievements and important developments.

Significant preparations

Al Barout confirmed that preparations for the fourth session to host children from the Arab world in Sharjah are underway. This initiative is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with oversight from Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. Al Barout outlined several key objectives, including the development of the session’s agenda to address new issues relevant to Arab children, and the enhancement of children's participation through workshops, courses, and diplomas.

 

“We are cooperating with the relevant authorities in the Arab countries to ensure broad and effective participation. We have started communicating with the delegations of the Arab countries in the League of Arab States to nominate children who will participate in this session. Four children have been nominated so far: two boys and two girls,” said Al Barout.

 

APC’s purpose

The Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for Children shared that this special parliament was created in 2019 with the help of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. The main goal of this initiative is to teach young people in the Arab world about the importance of getting involved and having a say in how things are run. It aims to help children understand their rights and important issues, and to prepare them for future roles in decision-making. We believe that children play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities, and this parliament provides them with a platform to share their views and participate in important discussions.

 

Addressing key issues

In the upcoming fourth session, Al Barout will talk about important topics that affect children today. The focus will be on making sure children receive a good education, keeping them safe, and encouraging them to get involved in their communities. The discussion will also cover ways to strengthen children's rights, especially considering the fast changes in technology and how these changes influence their lives.

 

New initiatives

APC confirmed that the parliament plans to launch several initiatives, including an interactive electronic platform for Arab children that enables them to express their opinions and share their ideas, in addition to enhancing awareness programs on children’s rights in schools.

 

Events coming along

The upcoming events will feature workshops designed to help kids develop important skills, like thinking critically and growing personally. These activities aim to strengthen their abilities and encourage them to get involved in their communities. The parliament plays an essential role in empowering Arab children and encouraging them to engage in issues that matter to them. It strives to build a better future where children can make positive contributions to their lives and their countries. This session emphasizes how important childhood is for building and improving society, focusing on raising awareness about children's rights and helping them gain the skills they need to become the leaders of tomorrow.

 

Previous sessions

The APC has conducted three parliamentary sessions since it was formed. The first session took place from 2019 to 2020, the second session ran from 2021 to 2022, and the third session started in 2023 and will go on until 2024. During these sessions, the parliament talked about many important topics that affect Arab children, including their right to education, health care, technology, safety in the community, sustainability, and food security.

 

Participating parties

Each Arab country is represented by four children, selected by the relevant authorities in each country. Currently, 19 out of 22 Arab countries are participating in the parliament, following the inclusion of Qatar and Syria in the third session. Al Barout stated the intention to ensure broad and diverse participation that reflects the aspirations of Arab children from various cultural and social backgrounds.

 

Qualifying APC members

The parliament has partnered with the University of Sharjah to offer various professional diploma programs. These include courses like the “Professional Diploma in Parliamentary Work Skills” and the “Professional Diploma in Supervisory and Leadership Team Skills.” Additionally, we organize many training workshops focused on areas such as media, innovation, and artificial intelligence. These programs aim to equip young people with the skills they need to become future leaders and actively contribute to their communities.

 

Future of APC

Al Barout emphasized the potential for the parliament to serve as a significant voice for all Arab children. The objective is to involve children not only as beneficiaries of services but also as active participants in decision-making processes that affect their lives. By fostering communication among children across various Arab countries and promoting their engagement in sustainable development initiatives, it is anticipated that they can contribute to positive changes within their communities.

 

Al Barout expressed gratitude to the supporters of the APC's efforts and emphasized the importance of collaboration for the future of children. He stated that the fourth session should serve as a new step toward the goal of enabling Arab children to become active participants in the development of their societies and the broader Arab nation.

February 04, 2025 / 12:10 PM

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