Global Child Forum: Ruler of Sharjah calls for protection of all children

KUALA LUMPUR (Muhammad Farooq) - Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has called for legislation and policies to protect children and ensure their human rights are enforced.

He also called on world leaders and the international community to consider the rights of children to education, health and protection from abuse and exploitation. Al Qasimi stressed that children need a stable environment to live with their families in order to reach their full potential.

The statement was made as His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, attended the Global Child Forum, held yesterday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, under the patronage and active participation of His Majesty Carl XVI Gustave, King of Sweden, and his wife, Queen Sylvia.

The forum saw the attendance and participation of Ulf Karlberg, Chairman, Partner Advisory Board, Global Child Forum; H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN; Dato’ Sri Rohani Abdul Karim, Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, Government of Malaysia; and SuthamPhanthusak, Representative of the President of the Thai National Legislative Assembly.



Also attending the Global Child Forum were a large number of leading officials and decision makers from business, finance, governments, academia and civil society organizations, who discussed how various business sectors can contribute to supporting and promoting children's rights in the Southeast Asian region.

They also explored how to overcome challenges facing children in the Southeast Asian region.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi called on governments, institutions and decision makers to pay attention to forgotten groups of children around the world. She said: “The future of peace in the entire world requires a united international stand towards under privileged children around the world. For the next generation to grow up strong, well and wise, and lead us to a more progressive future we must provide for all their needs now.

“Today these children need an education, decent healthcare and psychological stability in order to secure a future of peace, progress and stability for the entire world.”

The forum, held under the theme “Mobility & Connectivity: Children’s Rights and Sustainable Business”, highlighted opportunities to advance children’s rights through increased connectivity and mobility in the region. It focused on opportunities presented by fast technological progress, a young, growing workforce and the expanding travel and tourism industry in the region. It also explored how stakeholders can ensure that children’s rights are respected and fulfilled.

Ulf Karlberg, Chairman, Global Child Forum said: “Global Child Forum believes that by facilitating and inspiring cross-sector partnerships and action, we will create a world where children’s rights are respected and supported by all stakeholders in society - including the business and financial sector.”

“I am proud that our first Forum in South East Asia has managed to gather many regional and international thought leaders that share this belief,” he added.