Arab Parliament For Child Commences Fourth Session To Empower Youth Leadership In Sharjah

The Arab Parliament for the Child (APC) commenced its fourth term in Sharjah, hosted by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and overseen by Ahmed Aboul Gheit. The event, held at the Sharjah Consultative Council, gathered members from across the Arab world. This session serves as a platform for children to voice their ideas and engage in parliamentary activities.

The gathering is part of Sharjah's ongoing efforts to support Arab youth, encouraging leadership and responsible future planning. It offers children a chance to practice dialogue and decision-making in a parliamentary setting. This initiative reflects the region's commitment to nurturing young leaders.

Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the APC, highlighted the parliament's role in promoting democracy and responsibility among its young members. He noted that the session provided an opportunity for participants to experience a model democracy and freely express their visions. The support from Sharjah's Ruler and the League of Arab States aims to empower youth, preparing them as future leaders.

The elections during this session marked a significant milestone for the APC. Eight candidates from seven countries competed for the presidency, with strong contenders from Mauritania, Oman, UAE, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Additionally, six candidates sought the First Deputy Speaker position, while eight were nominated for Second Deputy Speaker.

Several candidates shared their motivations for running for president. Elias bin Awad Al-Maani from Oman expressed his belief in children's ability to drive real change. Joya Adel Al-Shabab from Lebanon emphasised her dedication to advocating for Arab childhood issues. Malak Hani from Egypt aimed to create an environment conducive to developing leadership skills among children.

Other candidates like Hala Sultan Al-Atoum from Jordan and Ibtihal Khalid Al-Maarifi from Morocco also presented their visions for empowering children and enhancing educational and cultural settings. Their candidacies reflect a shared commitment to improving conditions for Arab youth.

Democratic Engagement

The election process during this session mimicked real parliamentary practices, reinforcing democratic values and active participation among young members. This approach ensures that Arab children have a solid foundation to shape their future responsibly.

The APC continues its mission of fostering dialogue and leadership skills among young Arabs. By providing this platform, it contributes significantly to personal development and prepares them for future roles in society.

With inputs from WAM