Arab Parliament For The Child To Convene In Sharjah On Cybersecurity And Child-Friendly Digital Content

The Arab Parliament for the Child is preparing its third session of the fourth term in Sharjah, running from 8th to 15th February, under the theme "Cybersecurity: Towards Child-Friendly Content for Arab Children". The gathering focuses on protecting Arab children online while developing their leadership abilities and encouraging direct involvement in debates on their future.

The main official meeting of the Advisory Council will take place on Saturday, 14th February, at the Consultative Council headquarters in Sharjah. Discussions will centre on cybersecurity as a major challenge in childhood during the digital age, with members expected to draft visions and recommendations for safer, more positive online environments for Arab children.

Throughout the eight days, members will attend specialised cybersecurity workshops organised with Sharjah Digital Department. These sessions aim to explain online opportunities and risks in clear terms, help children recognise safe behaviour on digital platforms, and support them in guiding peers on issues such as privacy, content quality, and responsible use of social media and digital devices.

The Parliament’s permanent committees, including the Child Rights Committee and the Activities Committee, will hold preparatory meetings at the Parliament’s headquarters. These committees will draft proposals and working papers that support the cybersecurity theme, prepare topics for formal discussion, and ensure that children’s views on rights, protection and participation are reflected in upcoming parliamentary deliberations.

A detailed programme accompanies the formal sessions, beginning with the reception of members at Sharjah and Dubai International Airports. After arrival, participants will visit the Wheat Farm of Sharjah’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Mleiha, where they will learn about food security, local farming practices, and how sustainable agriculture supports community stability in Arab countries.

Members will also join activities at Sharjah Heritage Days in the Heart of Sharjah. This part of the schedule is designed to connect young parliamentarians with Arab cultural roots, introduce them to the emirate’s architectural and artistic heritage, and highlight how cultural identity and digital awareness can support each other in shaping informed and confident young citizens.

Key dates and activities for the third session of the fourth term are outlined below.

The Parliamentary Diploma Programme, organised with the University of Sharjah, will see a new cohort graduate on Thursday, 12th February, in the morning. After the graduation, a Parliamentarians’ Forum will be held, continuing efforts to build life skills, strengthen public speaking, and support the ability of young members to present their countries’ issues in structured and confident ways.

Alongside these events, the Editorial Board and other parliamentary bodies will hold coordination meetings over the week. These meetings aim to align messages, finalise session logistics, and support children in managing media content, preparing statements, and understanding how parliamentary work is documented and communicated within Arab and international contexts.

Arab Parliament for the Child leadership and cybersecurity vision for Arab children

On this occasion, Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the APC, expressed great optimism about the session and its objectives. He affirmed that selecting cybersecurity as the theme comes as a direct and necessary response to the rapid digital transformation experienced by children today. Al Barout said that the Parliament’s mission continues to focus on empowering Arab children and preparing them to become active and influential citizens. He described the session as a unique dialogue platform that places children at the heart of discussions on issues affecting them, particularly the creation of a safe digital space that protects their privacy and nurtures their minds.

Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, stated that the session represents a key milestone in building and preparing promising leadership. He added that choosing cybersecurity as a central pillar reflects the belief that protecting children in the digital world is an integral part of safeguarding the collective future.

Through eight consecutive days of discussions, workshops and visits, the Arab Parliament for the Child aims to refine young leadership skills, anchor dialogue as a core value, and strengthen awareness of national and Arab issues. By the end of the session, members are expected to move further from passive recipients towards active contributors and innovators who support safer digital spaces and stronger communities.

With inputs from WAM