Latest news with #ArabChildren'sParliament
Observer
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Programme empowers children to express opinions
Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development organised a two-day discussion panel on building a framework to empower and develop children's capacities for dialogue, discussion and expressing opinions. The panel included several government institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations involved in the child sector. The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of children's right to participate and express opinions within an official framework. This was achieved by examining the current status of children's participation in various institutions using a fact-finding methodology and evaluating the level of participation compared to regional and international practices. The panel also framed Omani experiences in light of legislation, technical and training capabilities, seeking to build a shared understanding of best practices and chart sustainable institutional paths that guarantee children's right to participate at both the central and decentralised levels. This would enhance the integration of children's voices into national policies and programmes. The ministry stated that the panel discussed a number of topics highlighting pioneering experiences in the field of child empowerment and enhancing their community participation. The sessions began with a discussion panel for students, during which they reviewed the experience of the Leadership Development Programme and the experiences of members of the Arab Children's Parliament. They also discussed Oman's debates from a child's perspective and the "Knights of Al Bayan" experience in community and summer centres. Several academic papers were presented. In the first paper, the Ministry of Education discussed the role of student councils, which are vital platforms within educational institutions enabling students to express their opinions and actively participate in developing their academic and social environment. The second paper, presented by the State Council, addressed its role in implementing Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stipulates that "States Parties shall ensure to the child the right to express his or her views freely on all matters affecting him or her, his or her views being given due weight in accordance with his or her age and maturity." Furthermore, the session featured a range of projects and experiences in the child sector. The Ministry of Social Development presented the "Child Ambassadors" project, implemented by the Department of Social Development in Al Buraimi Governorate. The project aims to empower a select group of children to become informed representatives of their peers, able to express their issues and convey their voices in influential ways within their school and community environments, while fully adhering to the principles derived from the Omani Child Law and relevant international agreements. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation also reviewed the experience of student advisory councils, while the Oman Debate Centre presented the experience of children's debates in the Sultanate of Oman.
Sharjah 24
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
APC prepares for launching its fourth session
These preparations come amid significant interest from the member states of the Arab League, responding to the parliament's calls to nominate their child representatives. Four children, two males and two females, have been nominated to be part of this significant event. The meeting takes place with the Arab Children's Parliament's keenness to realize its vision of making children genuine partners in discussing issues that concern them and contributing to shaping the future of their communities. Parliament Aims and Visions The parliament aims to raise awareness of the importance of empowering children by involving them in social activities in the Arab world, promoting the role of childhood in the process of development and progress. The current session holds particular importance as numerous accompanying events will be held during the first meeting, such as workshops aimed at equipping children in various areas to enhance their capabilities and personal development. These workshops will include critical thinking skills, self-development, and capacity building to enhance children's ability to effectively participate in strengthening their communities. The programme will also include visits to introduce children to the tourist landmarks in Sharjah, strengthening their connection to the cultural and social heritage in the Arab world. Secretary-General of the APC's Speech Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the APC, expressed his congratulations to all nominated children for their membership in the parliament's fourth session within the framework of communicating with the Arab countries' representatives at the Arab League in Cairo, alongside awaiting various countries to complete their nominations in preparation for inviting them to attend and participate. He affirmed that the fourth session is part of the parliament's interest in achieving a sustainable vision that ensures Arab children are part of building a bright future for themselves and their nations, enabling them to express their opinions and ideas on issues affecting their daily lives and connecting to the present and future. Al-Barout highlighted that the Arab Children's Parliament, through the General Secretariat of the Parliament, continues its diligent work to establish communication between children in various Arab countries, inspiring them to actively participate in sustainable development, believing in their vital role in creating positive change in society.
