UAE And India Explore Enhanced Cooperation On Integrated Child Development Services

The UAE and India are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in child development services. Their focus is on early childhood education, nutrition, and initiatives that encourage child participation. Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, met with Shri Anil Malik from India's Ministry of Women and Child Development during UNICEF's International Financing Summit for Early Childhood in New York.

During their meeting, both parties discussed leveraging each country's experiences to improve early childhood education quality. They considered exchanging curricula and educational tools to benefit both nations. Additionally, they reviewed cooperation in early nutrition through programmes supporting breastfeeding and complementary feeding. A joint project to measure the impact of nutritional interventions on child growth was also considered.

The discussions included potential initiatives to promote child participation through child parliaments. There is a possibility of joint activities between the Emirati Children's Parliament and Indian child parliaments. These activities could include digital dialogues focusing on education, environment, and digital safety.

Al Falasi highlighted the importance of investing wisely in children to secure a nation's future. She noted the UAE's success in reducing under-five mortality rates to approximately five per 1,000 live births. The country has also achieved 96 percent immunisation coverage and increased early education enrollment in Dubai by 16 percent.

Al Falasi mentioned several key initiatives, including the upcoming 2024 Fatima bint Mubarak Forum on Mental Health. Another significant programme is "I Support My Friends," a training initiative with UNICEF aimed at empowering children. These efforts are part of broader strategies to protect and empower children across the UAE.

The Council has expanded its efforts under Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's directives. This includes launching a nationwide school anti-bullying programme in 2016, which has benefited over 240,000 students and significantly reduced bullying rates.

Both countries also discussed producing a joint report on childhood as a best practice example in South-South cooperation. This report would highlight successful strategies and initiatives implemented by both nations in improving children's welfare.

With inputs from WAM