Launching 15th Social Work Conference
Addressing Challenges
During the opening speech, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Meal, Head of the Social Services Department in Sharjah, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his comprehensive social care that has made Sharjah a beacon of sustainable social development. He emphasised that the conference extends the vision of Sharjah, which prioritises human development and aims to build a safe community and cohesive family.
Modern Policies Discussed
He highlighted the importance of addressing family challenges using innovative mechanisms that keep pace with technological advancements, noting that the family is the cornerstone of stable societies. The conference aims to discuss modern policies, enhance community awareness, and utilize technology and artificial intelligence to serve social work and achieve family cohesion.
Technology in Focus
The conference included six working papers that highlighted the significance of investing in modern technology to address social issues. Dr. Amani Mohammed Al Mehairi, Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, presented the first paper on "Developing Social Monitoring Tools," emphasising the role of AI in improving quality of life, particularly in healthcare for the elderly.
Data Accuracy Importance
Dr. Engineer Kamal Abdul Aziz Mousa, an expert in urban observatories from Saudi Arabia, discussed the role of family observatories in supporting social policies and providing accurate data for decision-makers. He highlighted the importance of measuring performance in family development across various sectors and identifying urgent community issues.
Measuring Social Impact
Dr. Aisha Al Bousmit, an expert in international relations, presented a paper titled "Developing Tools to Measure Social Impact," focusing on the need for effective measures to assess social impact in line with the UAE Vision 2031, which contributes to enhancing social programs and policies.
Future of Social Work
The third paper, titled "The Future of Social Work in Light of Artificial Intelligence," was presented by Ahmed Mohammed Bou Haza'a, an executive and leadership coach from Bahrain. He pointed out the main challenges facing the sector, such as lack of transparency and high costs, and stressed the need for innovative solutions to complex issues like poverty, aging, and disability.
Mental Health Discussion
Dr. Abdullah bin Mabrouk Al Harithi, a senior social worker and addiction specialist, discussed the influence of mental health on family stability in his paper "Mental Health, Family Stability, and Community Cohesion." He emphasized that psychological balance directly enhances community cohesion and highlighted the importance of life skills development and improving the family environment.
Media's Role Highlighted
Ahmed Abdul Karim, Head of the Family Guidance and Reform Department at Dubai Courts, presented the fifth paper titled "The Role of Media in Building Social Awareness and Enhancing Community Cohesion." He asserted that purposeful media plays a significant role in shaping social values and called for the establishment of a digital platform specialized in family awareness.
The sixth paper, titled "The Role of Legislation and Policies in Achieving a More Cohesive Society," was delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Al Shudifat, a judge at the Sharjah Primary Court. He discussed the role of legislation in fostering a cohesive community, emphasizing the need to develop personal status laws to protect families and promote balance among their members.
Closing Remarks
At the close of the first day of the conference, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al Ramezan, a member of the board of directors of the Prince Naif Rehabilitation Centre, affirmed that sincerity is the key driver for achieving success at both national and community levels. He called for utilising all technical and legislative means with a genuine spirit aimed at uplifting society, praising the significant support provided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for community work and prioritising human development.
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