Sharjah: H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, inaugurated the Third Edition of the Child Safety Forum 2025 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) under the theme 'Protect Their Innocence.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the Forum witnessed the participation of numerous leaders from family and childhood organizations, as well as local and international experts in psychology, education, and digital protection. Representatives from social and educational entities, along with parents and professionals in family affairs, also attended the event. This year's Forum emphasizes Sharjah's proactive approach to childhood advocacy and its comprehensive social protection system.
The event serves as a dialogue platform addressing future challenges in child protection amidst global social and digital transformations. It aims to develop effective policies and solutions to enhance children's safety and their psychological and emotional well-being. This initiative is rooted in the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to build an integrated family system and position the family as the core foundation of society.
H.H. Sheikha Jawaher emphasized the moral commitment and duty of child protection, advising parents to engage and spend quality time with their children to empower them. She underlined the importance of family proximity in providing genuine protection, supporting Sharjah's vision as a Baby and Family-Friendly Emirate.
Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of Child Safety, highlighted the evolving challenges children face today, particularly from the digital world, and emphasized the need for increased parental presence and awareness. Under the direction of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, Child Safety has evolved into a pioneering model for child protection across Sharjah and the UAE.
The Forum's inaugural session, titled 'The world is seeping into our homes... Who is educating our children?', featured discussions led by experts such as Dr. Mohammed Al Kaabi, Dr. Hind Al Badwawi, Moza Al Shoomi, and Dr. Khalil Al Zeyoud. The session focused on child protection rights, nurturing relationships, and preparing children to deal with the outside world.
Subsequent sessions addressed topics such as societal fears inhibiting child disclosure, the role of fathers in child development, and strategies to bridge the digital divide between parents and children. These discussions aim to reinforce the family's role in child protection and provide recommendations to support child safety policies.
The Forum solidifies Sharjah's role as a leader in child protection, fostering a synergistic approach between families and community institutions to address contemporary challenges and safeguard children's rights to a safe environment for their well-being and development.