Sharjah 24: The Arab Parliament for the Child (APC) launched the new electronic version of its magazine, the Young Parliamentarian,” in a significant step reflecting the Parliament's commitment to developing its media and cultural tools aimed at Arab children and enhancing its presence in the digital sphere using the latest interactive media technologies. This initiative is under the auspices of the League of Arab States and with the support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The magazine was launched during a virtual ceremony attended by members of the Parliament and the magazine's editorial team from various Arab countries. The festive atmosphere reflected the creativity and ambition of the children of the Arab world. The ceremony showcased the new magazine's vision, which is characterised by its modern interactive style, the ability to browse and navigate pages, watch videos, educational films, and photographs, and the use of artificial intelligence applications to bring the Young Parliamentarian's characters and illustrations to life. This makes it a comprehensive digital media platform that expresses the Arab child's language, ideas, and aspirations.
Empowering Arab children in media and culture
In his address at the ceremony, His Excellency Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of APC, affirmed that the new magazine represents an extension of the Parliament's vision to empower Arab children in media and culture, and to provide platforms that enhance their intellectual and creative participation. He noted that the electronic version keeps pace with the changes of the digital age and the rapid development of modern media in terms of presentation and interaction tools.
Al-Barout explained that the magazine represents a pioneering Arab media project managed by the minds and pens of the children themselves, giving them the opportunity to express their issues, talents, and vision for the future. He emphasized that APC continues to work in accordance with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which aim to build a conscious, capable, and influential Arab generation within its human and cultural environment.
Children in the heart of the digital world
Then, Ibtihal Al-Ma'rouf, member of the Arab Children's Parliament and a member of the editorial board of the Young Parliamentarian magazine, delivered a speech emphasising that the magazine's launch comes at a time of rapid digital and media transformations, giving Arab children a presence and an influential voice in the digital world. In her speech, she stated, "In the age of platforms and open media, we must have a voice. From APC, we say to everyone: We are here in the heart of the digital world to exercise our right to expression." She noted that the Young Parliamentarian magazine represents the voice of Arab children and a platform for their dreams and aspirations.
The ceremony also included a presentation about the magazine, prepared by editorial board member Jouya Al-Shabab from Lebanon. She highlighted the magazine's key technical and artistic features, as well as its interactive educational, cultural, and media sections aimed at Arab children.
The event also featured a series of inspiring speeches from members of parliament and the editorial board. Elias Al-Maani, President of APC from the Sultanate of Oman, expressed his pride in this media platform, which provides Arab children with a space for expression and participation. He emphasized that the magazine will be a bright window for children's ideas and creativity.
Editor Mahmoud Saber from the Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed that the magazine, in its new format, represents a qualitative leap in Arab children's media, thanks to its interactive tools and modern content that attracts children and motivates them to read and participate.
Editor Ahmed Al-Sawy from the Arab Republic of Egypt pointed out that the magazine gives Arab children a real opportunity to make their voices heard globally. Editor Hour Breijieh from the State of Palestine expressed her happiness that the magazine serves as a unifying space for Arab children, despite their different countries and cultures.
Editor Zulfa Al-Rawahi from the Sultanate of Oman confirmed that the magazine will contribute to developing children's media and writing skills. Editor Shukran Hussein, a former member of the editorial board, explained that her parliamentary and media experience has helped refine her personality and boost her self-confidence.
Inspiring Arab platform that amplifies the voice of Arab children
The ceremony included a dramatic dialogue titled "Salem and Salama," presented by editor Mu'taz Issa from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and editor Aisha Al-Khayal from the United Arab Emirates. The dialogue conveyed awareness messages in a creative style suitable for children and promoted positive values in society.
Several members and editors from previous sessions also delivered speeches expressing their pride in APC experience. These included editor Ahmed Tariq Al-Farmawi and editor John Dandan, along with remarks from First Vice President Abdullah Bu Jiri, Second Vice President Mai Jalal Abdul Aziz, Head of the Activities Committee Nasser Al-Husseini, and Head of the Child Rights Committee Rabia Abu Rumman.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the participating children expressed their gratitude to the General Secretariat of APC for the training and development programmes it provides, which contribute to enhancing their abilities and honing their talents. They affirmed that "the Young Parliamentarian" magazine will be an inspiring Arab platform that amplifies the voice of Arab children to broader horizons of creativity, knowledge, and communication.
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