We’re ready to provide your needs, Ruler tells Arab youth
sharjah — Addressing the first Arab Children’s Parliament (ACP) session in the new headquarters on Sunday, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, affirmed that the emirate will ensure that the ACP is provided with the best environment where they can discuss issues, openly propose solutions, address challenges, and contribute to the development of their respective countries and the region as a whole.
“You are with your parents, brothers and sisters who are ready to provide you with all that you need to perform your duties,” Sheikh Sultan told the young parliamentarians.
Ayman Othman Barout, Secretary-General of the ACP, said: “The ACP, in cooperation with all the parties of the Arab states, is set to implement an ambitious plan that would draw inspiration from all the experiences, expertise and initiatives of the emirate of Sharjah.”
He also hailed Sheikh Sultan for leading the establishment of the ACP headquarters and for constantly encouraging the participation of children in decision-making and in building a democratic environment.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Khawal Al Mullah, chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council and head of the executive committee that established the ACP, said that the Sharjah Ruler has decided to bring the ACP to the emirate in order to contribute to the stability of Arab countries.
“Sheikh Sultan believes that hosting the headquarters of the ACP represents a great effort that serves all the children of the Arab world. It is also part of Sharjah’s regional and international initiatives that support child care programmes,” Al Mulla said.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League; Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Khawla Al Mulla, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Consultative Council; and other dignitaries.
Workshops and training sessions are planned for the ACP members who flew in for the inauguration, with an aim to prepare them for their parliamentary roles.