Sharjah: The Arab Parliament for the Child is gearing up to welcome its members from across the Arab world to Sharjah for its third session of the fourth term, taking place from February 8th to 15th. The event, under the theme 'Cybersecurity: Towards Child-Friendly Content for Arab Children', aims to empower young voices and engage them in discussions about their future in the digital age.
According to Emirates News Agency, the central event will be the Advisory Council's official session on February 14th at the Consultative Council headquarters in Sharjah. This session will tackle contemporary challenges faced by children in the digital world, aiming to develop recommendations for a secure and positive online environment for Arab children.
This initiative highlights the pioneering efforts of the Arab Parliament for the Child, which is dedicated to addressing children's rights and issues within the Arab world. It focuses on developing leadership skills and fostering a culture of dialogue among young people, preparing them to address national issues creatively.
The programme includes an array of activities, such as welcoming members at Sharjah and Dubai International Airports and a visit to Sharjah's Wheat Farm in Mleiha to learn about food security and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, participants will engage in Sharjah Heritage Days to connect with their cultural roots and explore the emirate's rich heritage.
A series of cybersecurity workshops, organized in collaboration with the Sharjah Digital Department, will be held to raise awareness about digital opportunities and threats, equipping members to safeguard themselves and their peers. Preparatory meetings for permanent parliamentary committees will also take place to draft proposals for official discussions.
The event will see the graduation of a new cohort from the Parliamentary Diploma Programme in partnership with the University of Sharjah on February 12th, followed by a Parliamentarians' Forum to enhance life and leadership skills. Coordination meetings for the Editorial Board and other parliamentary bodies will ensure the session's success.
Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the APC, expressed optimism about the session, emphasizing its focus on empowering children to become influential citizens and creating a secure digital environment. He described the event as a dialogue platform that places children at the center of discussions about their future.
Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, highlighted the session as a milestone in nurturing future leaders. He stressed the importance of equipping children with the necessary skills to confidently represent their countries' issues, with cybersecurity being a crucial element in safeguarding the future.
The eight-day event aims to foster a culture of constructive dialogue, instill responsibility and active citizenship in members, and provide them with the tools to transform from passive recipients to active contributors and innovators within their communities.
