More than 20,200 votes in Children & Youth Parliament elections

This was an integrated electronic experience organised by the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators through Sharjah Children, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah and Sharjah Youth, under the slogan "Community Service is Leadership."

197 candidates, both male and female, competed in this session, spanning two age groups: children aged 8 to 10, and youth aged 13 to 16. Candidates ran comprehensive campaigns, presenting their programmes and aspirations within an electoral process that mimicked actual parliamentary practice, from nomination to interviews, voting, and ultimately winning a seat in the Council.

Engaging younger generations

This significant community engagement reflects the success of the educational and developmental approach adopted by the Emirate of Sharjah in engaging the younger generations in decision-making, as partners in development and makers of the future.

In this context, Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Ruba' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, affirmed that the foundation is proud of this community engagement seen during the Sharjah Children and Youth Parliament elections, which embodies the community's confidence in the role of children and youth in building the future.

Building leadership from within the new generation

Ruba' Qarn Foundation believes that early participation in parliamentary work contributes to building leadership among the rising generations, enabling them to become generations aware of their national responsibilities and possessing the skills of dialogue and critical thinking.

This insightful vision was laid by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the follow-up of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Foundation. It formed the solid foundation for this pioneering development project, through which the foundation continues to build a sustainable system for creating leaders and innovators among the sons and daughters of Sharjah.

Instilling parliamentary participation among children and youth

This inspiring electoral experience embodies the Emirate of Sharjah's approach to instilling the concepts of parliamentary participation among children and youth, through practical practices that instill in them the principles of leadership, a sense of responsibility, and a sense of national belonging from an early age.

It is worth noting that the parliamentary experience for children and youth in the Sharjah Children Parliamentand the Sharjah Youth Parliament began more than 25 years ago, with the aim of preparing a generation of leaders who will effectively contribute to shaping the future of the Emirate of Sharjah. Each parliamentary session is held over a period of two years, interspersed with an integrated programme of training workshops and specialised courses, supervised by a group of specialists within the Life Skills track.