Latest news with #ArabParliamentfortheChild
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
DGR delegation seeks way to cooperate with Bahrain
A delegation of senior representatives from Sharjah-based regional offices of international organisations were present including; Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child; Salem Omar Salem, Director of the Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) in Sharjah; and Nasser Al Darmaki, Deputy Regional Director of the ICCROM Regional Centre for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Arab World (ICCROM-Sharjah). Over the course of three days, the Sharjah delegation engaged with officials and representatives from prominent cultural, educational, and heritage institutions; including Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Dr Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, President of the University of Bahrain and Nawal Ibrahim Al Khater, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education. The delegation also conducted site visits to key heritage institutions, exploring leading initiatives dedicated to preserving both physical artifacts and immaterial traditions that constitute a society's cultural legacy Bahrain as a key partner in shaping the future of Arab culture Reflecting on the high-level diplomatic engagement, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said: 'This visit underscored Sharjah's ongoing commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, and we believe Bahrain plays an important role in shaping the cultural future of the Arab world. The Kingdom continues to offer exemplary models in the fields of education, cultural identity and heritage preservation.' 'By highlighting the vital contribution of international organisations that have Sharjah-based regional offices; and their efforts to bridge local initiatives with global efforts; it creates new opportunities for the exchange of expertise and the development of collaborative programmes. These are essential in supporting sustainable development goals while further consolidating Sharjah's status as a prominent international cultural centre,' he stated. Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, said: 'This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural and educational partnerships among Arab institutions. It stems from the Arab Child Parliament's belief in the importance of investing in knowledge and human development from early childhood, thereby reinforcing concepts of identity and belonging among children'. He added, 'Through these meetings, we aim to expand avenues of cooperation in the fields of cultural and educational upbringing of the Arab child, and to exchange experiences that promote a culture of dialogue and foster the creative capacities of future generations to actively participate in the sustainable development journey led by our nations with vision and ambition'. The Arab Child Parliament's participation in the official delegation to the Kingdom of Bahrain was an opportunity to enhance the regional parliamentary presence of children. The delegation explored leading Bahraini experiences in education, culture, and youth development, and discussed avenues of collaboration with institutions concerned with childhood. These efforts contribute to the development of impactful programs that enhance the capabilities of Arab children and empower them to express their visions and aspirations within a supportive and inspiring environment — all in line with Sharjah's vision to build a knowledgeable Arab generation aware of its role in shaping the future of our Arab nations. Strengthening regional and international cooperation Discussions held during the visit were centred on opportunities for collaboration in cultural and educational projects across the region, and formulating strategies to address common challenges through joint initiatives and capacity-building programmes; particularly those that advance sustainable development. The delegation also examined Bahrain's approaches to preserving cultural heritage, and the Sharjah-based regional offices looked at potential collaborative efforts to support and safeguard these assets. Guided by Sharjah's cultural and developmental vision, the Sharjah-based regional offices are leading impactful projects and initiatives across the Arab world; and this visit reinforces the emirate's role in fostering regional dialogue, facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation with counterpart institutions.
Sharjah 24
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Arab children's parliament joins child rights summit in Morocco
Arab Parliament for the Child represented by top official The Arab Parliament for the Child's delegation was led by the Secretary-General, Ayman Othman Al Barout, , who delivered a speech during the opening session. He conveyed greetings from the Parliament's headquarters in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and praised Morocco's leadership, under His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for its commitment to advancing child rights amidst modern social and technological shifts. Children as active partners in development Al-Barout emphasised that today's children are more aware and engaged than ever, enabling them to be active partners in sustainable development rather than passive recipients. He called for meaningful inclusion of children in planning, implementation, and evaluation processes through genuine dialogue platforms that allow them to express their aspirations and challenges. Key issues on the conference agenda He also stressed the importance of the conference as a platform for addressing critical issues such as violence against children—particularly online—digital transformation, climate change, inclusive education, mental health, and future skills. These are all subjects previously tackled by the Arab Parliament for the Child as part of its vision to equip young people with 21st-century tools. Recognition of Morocco's strong contribution The Secretary-General praised the Moroccan delegation to the Arab Parliament for the Child, describing it as a 'founding and outstanding delegation' known for its active engagement in parliamentary sessions and media presence, and affirmed that it consistently represents Morocco with distinction. Broad participation and forward-looking discussions The conference attracted wide participation from government institutions, national and international experts, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and child parliamentarians from across Morocco. Discussions centred on shaping a realistic roadmap for child protection up to 2030 that considers environmental, social, and technological changes. Children's voices call for action In a poignant address, child parliamentarian Abeer Bouqataia called on decision-makers to turn children's rights from aspirations into tangible realities, stressing that children's voices must not only be heard but also integrated into policy and decision-making. Ongoing efforts to empower young Arab voices Coinciding with Morocco's National Day for Children's Rights, the conference continues with a series of multidisciplinary participatory workshops aimed at producing practical recommendations to enhance child protection and shape more inclusive and equitable legislation. Since its establishment in 2019 under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, the Arab Parliament for the Child has worked to empower Arab children in parliamentary engagement, enabling them to express their views and contribute to shaping the future with a strong sense of participation and social responsibility.
Sharjah 24
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Arab Parliament for the Child opens its fourth session
The session took place at the Sharjah Consultative Council, bringing together members from various Arab countries. This session aims to provide a platform for children to express their visions, aspirations, and engage in parliamentary work within a model environment. A platform for dialogue and decision-making This session is an opportunity for children to engage in parliamentary work and the actual practice of dialogue and decision-making. It is part of the continuing successes of the Arab Parliament for the Child, which reflects Sharjah's vision in supporting Arab children, fostering leadership, and empowering them to shape their future responsibly. The elections for president and deputies The session included elections for the president and two deputies of the Arab Parliament for the Child. Eight candidates from seven countries were running for president, with strong competition between members from Mauritania, the Sultanate of Oman, the UAE, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Additionally, six candidates vied for the First Deputy Speaker position, and eight members were nominated for the Second Deputy Speaker role. Candidate statements for the presidency Several candidates expressed their motivation for running for the presidency. Elias bin Awad Al-Maani from Oman emphasised his belief in the power of children to bring about real change. Joya Adel Al-Shabab from Lebanon highlighted her passion for advocating for Arab childhood issues. Malak Hani from Egypt expressed her desire to foster an environment where children can develop their leadership skills. Other candidates, including Hala Sultan Al-Atoum from Jordan and Ibtihal Khalid Al-Maarifi from Morocco, also shared their visions for empowering children and improving their educational and cultural environments. Empowering the future leaders of the Arab World Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, emphasised the parliament's role in fostering democracy, dialogue, and responsibility among young members. The session allowed the members to experience a model democracy and express their visions freely. With the support of the Ruler of Sharjah and the League of Arab States, the Arab Parliament for Children aims to empower the youth and prepare them to be future leaders, contributing to their personal development and honing their leadership skills. A milestone in the APC's Journey The elections held during the opening session are a significant milestone in the Arab Parliament for the Child's journey. The process of electing the president and deputies mimics real parliamentary practices and reinforces the values of democracy and active participation, ensuring a strong foundation for Arab children to shape their future.
Sharjah 24
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
APC launches in Sharjah with activities enhancing dialogue skills
Activities The activities will be inaugurated after the arrival of the members of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC) in Sharjah on the first day, and the following day, the members will meet to get to know each other and visit the Sharjah Heritage Days, which will enhance the spirit of communication and acquaintance among the participants . On the third day, a cultural visits programme will be launched, including a visit to the Archaeology Museum and the Sharjah Biennial, where children will learn about Sharjah's rich heritage and artistic creativity. The events will continue on Tuesday with a visit to the University of Sharjah, where a press conference will be held to launch the diploma programme, followed by an introductory workshop that will allow children to learn about the programme's prospects and objectives . On Wednesday, the forum's activities will be launched at the Rubu' Qarn Life Skills Centre, where participants will engage in sports and interactive experiences including rope climbing and adventure hiking, which will enhance their leadership and teamwork skills . On Thursday, election campaigns will begin at the Rubu' Qarn Life Skills Centre in Sharjah, where children who wish to run for parliament will be able to present their electoral programmes and showcase their achievements in a competitive atmosphere that reflects the spirit of democracy . The programme continues on Friday with Friday prayers at Sharjah Mosque, then the rehearsal of the first session begins at the headquarters of the Sharjah Consultative Council in preparation for the first session . The activities reach their peak on Saturday with the launch of the opening session, which witnesses the election of the Speaker of Parliament and his two deputies, in addition to the formation of committees and the election of their heads, in a democratic experience that reflects the values of participation and parliamentary work . Aims to qualify Arab children on foundations of parliamentary work Finally, Sunday witnesses the departure of the delegations after a programme full of educational and cultural experiences. Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), stressed that this session is of great importance in qualifying Arab children on the foundations of parliamentary work, and provides them with a space to express their opinions and exercise their right to vote and run for office according to a democratic model that simulates real parliaments, pointing out that the APC seeks through this experience to build a generation capable of participating effectively in shaping the future, armed with dialogue, respect for other opinions and the values of democracy .
Sharjah 24
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah to host 4th APC on February 22
Preparations As part of the preparations, an integrated platform for electronic voting has been set up, in addition to providing traditional ballot boxes, allowing child members to cast their votes easily and transparently. Meetings will be held at the delegations' residence, giving children who wish to run for the presidency of parliament the opportunity to present their electoral programmes and highlight their achievements, thus enhancing the principle of transparency and democratic competition. Voting mechanism This session witnesses a major development in the voting mechanism, as the Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), Ayman Othman Al Barout, explained that voting was done manually through ballot boxes during the first session, then a special electronic mechanism was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the smooth continuation of the electoral process, while in this session, an approved electronic programme will be used that meets all electoral integrity standards. Al Barout added that a specialised electoral committee will supervise the electoral process, and will work under the chairmanship of the Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), and this committee will handle all stages of the electoral process, from entering information to announcing the results, while adhering to the highest levels of transparency. Al Barout stressed that the process of recording and documenting the vote is one of the most important standards of transparency, as every step is recorded accurately, which ensures the children's satisfaction with the integrity of the electoral process, noting that there were no appeals in previous rounds, but rather the results were fully appreciated and appreciated by all members. Results Regarding the announcement of the results, he explained that the sorting process does not take more than an hour, as the sorting steps are displayed moment by moment on a screen in front of all members, which allows them to follow the course of the electoral process with complete transparency until the final result appears and is officially announced. Training Al Barout pointed out that child members will be trained on voting mechanisms before participating in the electoral session, to ensure the ease of the process and their understanding of all its procedures. This awareness includes two stages: the first is through an introductory video explaining the voting steps, and the second is through a practical rehearsal that simulates the real voting process, which makes members ready to undergo the electoral experience easily and smoothly. The Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC) stressed that these elections are not only a democratic experience, but an important opportunity to qualify children on the values of participation and fair competition, and prepare them to be future leaders who carry the spirit of dialogue and responsibility.
