WeProtect Global Summit 2023: Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Highlights Child Protection Efforts In Abu Dhabi

H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, addressed the WeProtect Global Summit in Abu Dhabi. Co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior and the WeProtect Global Alliance, this event focused on child protection. Sheikh Saif welcomed attendees and conveyed greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasising the shared responsibility of safeguarding children.

Sheikh Saif highlighted that children are vital to our future, making their safety a priority for sustainable development. He stated, "protecting children goes beyond a moral obligation; it is a shared responsibility for all." The UAE's leadership in child protection was attributed to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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The summit gathered leaders from governments, NGOs, and private sectors to combat online violence against children. Discussions centred on protecting children from online threats such as violence and exploitation. The event underscored the need for global cooperation to address these challenges effectively.

Reflecting on progress over ten years, Sheikh Saif noted that the WeProtect Alliance now includes 100 government organisations, 75 private sector entities, and 130 civil society groups. He urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships with tech companies to create safe digital environments using AI and innovative technologies.

Sheikh Saif stressed families' crucial role in guiding children towards responsible technology use. He emphasised equipping families with skills to navigate digital challenges and raise responsible generations. This foundational support is essential for children's safety in an increasingly digital world.

The summit's opening featured remarks from international officials including ministers from Belarus, Turkey, Tanzania, and others. Representatives from the WeProtect Global Alliance also attended, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in child protection efforts.

Addressing Emerging Technological Threats

Nina Jane Patel addressed humanity's transformative period due to technological advancements. She highlighted emerging threats to children's safety as digital spaces become more integrated into their lives. Patel raised critical questions about ensuring online safety amidst these changes.

The first plenary session explored emerging trends affecting child protection over the next decade. New research on global technological trends was presented by WeProtect Global Alliance and Thorn. A panel discussion followed with experts like Julie Cordua from Thorn and Mama Fatima Singhateh.

Survivors' Insights and Prevention Strategies

A plenary session titled "Survivors’ Perspectives: Stepping Up for a Safer Future" featured survivors sharing personal stories. Moderated by Cornelius Williams, this session included insights from Mark Neil Ontong and Nina Jane Patel among others.

The "Prevention Strategies" session addressed rising rates of child sexual abuse and gaps in prevention strategies. Speakers included Deborah Dennis from Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Aengus Dochartaigh from Moore Center for Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.

AI Challenges in Child Safety

A session on AI's impact on child safety featured Omar Al Olama discussing AI-generated pornography challenges. Moderated by Denton Howard, panelists included Chelsea Carlson from OpenAI and Yalda Aoukar from Brackett Foundation.

The "Health and Wellbeing" session examined work-related risks faced by responders to online child exploitation cases. Recommendations were offered to strengthen practices for frontline responders dealing with these challenging situations.

Future Commitments Against Exploitation

The final plenary session focused on national perspectives and commitments against exploitation. It emphasised collaboration between governments and private sectors to enhance strategies against online child exploitation.

This summit served as a crucial platform for global collaboration against online child exploitation. By uniting diverse perspectives from survivors, experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, it paved the way for innovative solutions while strengthening commitments towards creating a safer digital world where every child can thrive free from harm.

With inputs from WAM