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Sustainability to be core of children's forum

Sharjah - The Organising Committee of the SACF unveiled details of this year's event on Monday at Mughaider Child Centre, Sharjah.

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A total of 128 children from 11 Arab countries will discuss sustainability and education in the Arab world during the 13th Sharjah Arab Children Forum ((SACF) which will be held from March 24-28.
The SACF will be held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators.
The Organising Committee of the SACF unveiled details of this year's event on Monday at Mughaider Child Centre, Sharjah.
Addressing the Press conference, Aysha Al Kaabi, acting director of Sharjah Children (SC) and Chairperson of the forum's higher organising committee, said that this year's SACF, held under the theme "Hear Us ... We Are The Future", represents an appeal from Arab children to decision-makers in the Arab world.
It is to guide their plans towards enabling the new generation by science and technology, and scientific curricula that stimulate thinking, innovation and creativity. The theme also promotes the issue of sustainable development and the right of Arab children to live in safety.
She added this year's event will bring together children from Arab countries, including 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 Centres, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, UAE Girl Guides Association and Emirates Scout Association. The 128 children include four children with determination from the various parts of the Arab World.
Al Kaabi explained that 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.
She said that 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. "At this edition, we look forward to spreading the culture of sustainable development among Arab children and highlighting their role in supporting sustainable development partnerships. The forum will also improve behaviours that enable sustainability, which has become necessary for education."
This year's edition, which coincides with the 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 programme

>Things get under way on March 24 with a full session, which will help the attending children to build relationships, develop a spirit of teamwork and work on communication skills, to better help the 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 wellbeing 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.
>March 28 will be a special day for the Arab children as they participate in a session of the Sharjah Children's Shura Council, as part of the International Government Communication Forum which will be held in Expo Sharjah. The session will discuss the role of Information Technology in children's education.

KT Nano Edit

Teach them well
A technological future stares at us with AI and robotics, which puts more responsibility on younger generations to preserve what they have here on earth. Awareness of their surroundings and resources are vital to make good the promise of youth. Tech should be a force for good and should help us make the world a better, cleaner and more productive place. 
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com