Knowledge key to achieving dreams, Jawaher tells kids

Children wearing colourful traditional Arab dresses on stage during the opening ceremony of the 13th Sharjah Arab Children Forum at Cultural Palace in Sharjah on Monday. - Photo by M. Sajjad

Nothing but knowledge leads to achieving dreams, said Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, while addressing the opening day of the 13th Sharjah Arab Children Forum (SACF) at Cultural Palace in Sharjah on Sunday.
In her video speech broadcast during the annual forum, she urged children "the builders of the future" to recognise the importance of their home countries. "Our country deserves the best from us; it gave us our identity, it is where we build our lives and it is our home."
Sheikha Jawaher said: "My children, young leaders. you are the builders of the future and creators of a new era. Trust that achieving any of your dreams requires knowledge, and knowledge leads to innovation and change for the better. All of you have the tools of learning, and opportunities are available to enrich your experiences and develop your skills, so you will lead the world in knowledge and science." She called on the children participating in this year's event to unite and cooperate so that the Arab countries will flourish and develop. She concluded by saying: "My children, stand together and be united."
Organised by Sharjah Children Centre affiliated to Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, the three-day forum themed "Hear Us ... We are the Future" will conclude on Wednesday.
Aysha Al Kaabi, acting director of Sharjah Children (SC) and chairperson of the organising committee of the forum, said that this edition addresses childhood and sustainability as sustainability requires new thinking, new culture and a different relationship between man, environment and resources.
"The message of the Arab children through this forum is "Hear Us ... We are the Future", while our message to Arab children is: "You are the opportunity to better lives"."
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Reem BinKaram, member of the board of trustees for Rubu' Qarn For Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, said: "For two decades, the SACF has been a unique platform in the Arab world, empowering children and encouraging them to make their voices heard, motivating them to take the initiatives and find solutions to the challenges they face."
BinKaram added: "The 13th edition of the forum coincides with the Year of Zayed and this offers the participating children a wonderful opportunity to learn about a leader who devoted his life to building a safe, stable and luxurious life for many generations, and extended that vision to all the Arab communities."
The forum was held in conjunction with community institutions, government agencies and Seppo, an innovative platform, which specialises in education. The first day of the forum has seen 14 workshops organised by different government entities and organisations.
KT NANO EDIT
Influencing kids for years
Technology might help children reach for the stars, but it's their cultural roots and faith in traditions and heritage that will keep them grounded, and allow
them to be better human beings. The Sharjah Arab Children Forum has been shaping young minds and influencing them with positivity for years. Exposures such as these are vital, and the latest edition of the forum proves just that.  
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com