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The sitting was attended by members of parliament representing Arab countries, Her Excellency Halima Humaid Al Owais, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council; Lubna Azzam, Minister Plenipotentiary at the League of Arab States; His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Children’s Parliament; Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Children’s Parliament; as well as senior officials and guests.
The sitting opened with a speech by His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, who welcomed attendees and affirmed that the concluding sitting marked an important milestone in the parliament’s journey, signifying the end of a session characterised by achievements, purposeful discussions, and distinguished initiatives that reflected the aspirations of Arab children and demonstrated their ability to participate responsibly in shaping the future.
Al Barout credited the Arab Parliament for the Child's success to the support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and to the League of Arab States' follow-up. Launched in 2019, it now includes representatives from 20 Arab countries, symbolising Arab unity and the importance of involving children in shaping the future. The fourth session marks a milestone, building on previous achievements, strengthening its presence, and improving its tools and programmes.
These accomplishments established it as a platform for refining children’s personalities and developing parliamentary, intellectual, and leadership skills. He stressed that these achievements were only possible thanks to the Ruler of Sharjah's patronage and directives, ensuring the sustainability of this project that embraces Arab children and fosters creativity and excellence.
The Secretary-General noted that the members of the fourth session had carried the responsibility of representing their countries for two years and had proved worthy of this responsibility through their parliamentary participation inside and outside the UAE, as well as through the awareness, discipline, respect for differing opinions, and teamwork they demonstrated.
He affirmed this experience would be a valuable source of knowledge and human development, helping prepare young Arab leaders for their nations. He explained that the concluding session’s theme, “The Role of the Family in Building a Safe Environment for Children,” reflected the parliament’s commitment to issues affecting Arab children.
The theme also complemented the topics discussed in previous sessions, which promoted awareness of children’s rights and affirmed that the family is the first environment in which values are nurtured, the foundation for building character, and the starting point for sustainable human development.
The Secretary-General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), in recognition of her pioneering efforts to support families and children and to launch initiatives that have made Sharjah a global model for caring for people and for empowering generations.
The Arab Parliament for the Child, on behalf of itself and its members, also expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the Qatari delegation following the loss, praying to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased His abundant mercy and to grant the family patience and solace.
Concluding his speech, Al Barout emphasised that the fourth session's end signified a new phase of contribution through the Former Members Club, where members would continue to serve as ambassadors of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC) and advocates for dialogue, identity, and belonging. He expressed confidence that their parliamentary experience would prepare them to become influential Arab leaders.
Elias Al Maani, President of the Arab Parliament for the Child, said the fourth session was a milestone and that members served as genuine ambassadors of Arab children, voicing their hopes. He expressed pride in representing Arab children in Sharjah, the city hosting this pioneering project.
On behalf of all members, the Parliament President expressed his highest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his continued support and patronage of the Arab Children’s Parliament.
He affirmed that His Highness’s vision transformed the parliament into a proud civilisational platform and emphasised that true investment begins with developing people from childhood. He noted the members gathered in Sharjah, united by belonging, language, and a shared Arab dream, discussing childhood issues responsibly. They saw their countries’ diversity as enrichment and believed children’s voices should be heard. He explained the parliamentary experience wasn’t just public speaking but taught values like dialogue, respect, teamwork, and responsibility, crucial for their future. The theme of the concluding session, “The Role of the Family in Building a Safe Environment for Children,” highlighted the family as the foundation of values, security, and identity, providing a stable environment. Discussions focused on effective communication, fairness, proper treatment, and positive role models to develop children’s personalities and ensure sound upbringing.
The agenda included reading apologies for absence before discussing the main theme. 39 members shared views and proposals to strengthen the family’s role in protecting children’s rights, ensuring their safety, and preparing them for community development. Topics included effective communication, fostering children’s security and stability through fair treatment and anti-discrimination, and promoting positive role models to instil values like honesty and respect for parents.
Following the sitting, Her Excellency Halima Humaid Al Owais, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council, met with the President of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC) and the two Vice-Presidents, in the presence of the Parliament’s Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General.
She praised the parliament’s success and its role in preparing and developing children across the Arab world.