Sharjah Arab Children Forum to be held from March 24 to 28

The forum will bring together more than 128 children from 11 Arab countries

Sharjah: The 13th edition of Sharjah Arab Children Forum (SACF) will be held from March 24 to 28, the organising committee announced on Monday.

Announcing details at a press conference held at Mughaider Child Centre, Sharjah, the organising committee said the forum being held under the patronage of Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is being organised by Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators.

This year, the forum will bring together more than 128 children from 11 Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Palestine, Sudan, Egypt, Mauritania, Comoros, Jordan and the UAE. The UAE delegation will include 84 Emirati children from a cross-section of organisations including Sharjah Children Centre, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, UAE Girl Guides Association and Emirates Scout Association.

This year’s forum runs under the theme ‘Hear us ... We Are The Future’, highlighting the importance of science and technology in children’s lives, and showing decision-makers across the Arab world how this field can stimulate thinking, innovation and creativity.

This edition also aims to promote the idea that Arab children belong to one nation with an authentic and distinct culture, while also highlighting the talents of Arab children, enabling them to exchange experiences and promoting their right to express themselves and their aspirations.

“The forum is a continuation of the great efforts towards supporting Arab children. Despite the diversity of the forum, its focus is on one central issue affecting the future of children in general and Arab children in particular, namely sustainable development,” said Ayesha Al Kaabi, Acting Director of Sharjah Children Centre and chairperson of the forum’s higher organising committee.

This year’s edition, which coincides with Year of Zayed, will also introduce Arab children to the UAE and educate them about the country’s cultural achievements, the important role of its founders and Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and values.

“The forum strengthens the reputation of Sharjah as a city that nurtures children and young people, and which, through its initiatives and programmes, is keen to safeguard the rights of children and strengthen the relationships between UAE children and Arab children,” said Al Kaabi.

Meanwhile, Reem BinKaram, member of the board of trustees for Rubu’ Qarn For Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, pointed out that for two decades the Sharjah Arab Children Forum has been a unique platform in the Arab world, empowering children and encouraging them to make their voices heard, motivating them to take the initiative and find solutions to the challenges they face.

This year’s programme includes training and entertainment activities in cooperation with community institutions, government agencies and private companies.

The opening session on March 24 which will help the attending children to build relationships, develop a spirit of teamwork and work on communication skills. The session will also help children represent themselves and their countries at the opening ceremony on March 25.

On March 26, the delegates will take part in the ‘Making the Future’ event, which uses cooking, technology, art and volunteering to develop their intellectual skills and hobbies. The ‘We Adventure and Learn’ initiative on the same day will instill leadership, cooperation, teamwork, confidence, health and well-being in the children.

The ‘Mleiha Discovery’ event on March 27 is a field trip to one of Sharjah’s most important landmarks, helping the children to discover archaeological treasures and develop research skills and learn about the history of the region through a treasure hunt.

On March 28 the children will participate in a session of the Sharjah Children’s Shura Council, as part of the International Government Communication Forum which will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah. The session will discuss the role of information technology in children’s education. ‘Your Talent is Your Passion’ event will allow the young ambassadors to highlight the cultures of their different countries, allowing the Arab children to exchange experiences and learn about their peers in the Arab world.