Arab Parliament for Child Gears Up for Pivotal Sharjah Session Focused on Cybersecurity
The Arab Parliament for the Child is set to welcome its members from across the Arab world to the Emirate of Sharjah, marking a significant step in its mission to empower young voices and involve them in shaping their future. This gathering, scheduled from February 8th to 15th, 2026, represents the third session of the parliament's fourth term, continuing its pioneering role as the first Arab body dedicated exclusively to children's rights and issues.
Theme and Objectives of the Session
Under the theme "Cybersecurity: Towards Child-Friendly Content for Arab Children," the eight-day program aims to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age. The official session of the Advisory Council will be held on Saturday, February 14th, at the Consultative Council headquarters in Sharjah. This key meeting will focus on developing visions and recommendations to foster a safe and positive digital environment for Arab children, addressing risks and opportunities in the online space.
Comprehensive Program Highlights
The session features a diverse agenda designed to enhance leadership skills and cultural awareness among young parliamentarians. Activities include:
- Welcoming Members: Arrivals will be facilitated at Sharjah and Dubai International Airports, ensuring a smooth start to the proceedings.
- Field Visit: A trip to the Wheat Farm of Sharjah's Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Mleiha will educate members on food security and sustainable agriculture efforts.
- Cultural Engagement: Participation in Sharjah Heritage Days in the Heart of Sharjah will strengthen connections with Arab cultural roots and showcase the emirate's rich heritage.
- Cybersecurity Workshops: In partnership with the Sharjah Digital Department, specialized workshops will be conducted to boost awareness of digital risks and equip members with tools to protect themselves and their peers.
- Committee Meetings: Permanent parliamentary committees, including the Child Rights Committee and the Activities Committee, will hold preparatory meetings to draft proposals and working papers for official deliberations.
- Educational Milestones: The graduation of a new cohort from the Parliamentary Diploma Programme, in cooperation with the University of Sharjah, will take place on February 12th, followed by the Parliamentarians' Forum to further develop life and leadership skills.
Statements from Key Officials
Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, expressed optimism about the session, emphasizing that the focus on cybersecurity is a direct response to the rapid digital transformation affecting children today. He highlighted the parliament's mission to empower Arab children and prepare them as active citizens, describing the session as a unique dialogue platform that places children at the center of discussions on critical issues.
Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Assistant Secretary-General, noted that the session is a key milestone in building promising leadership. He stressed that ongoing efforts aim to equip Arab children with parliamentary and life skills, enabling them to represent their countries with confidence. The choice of cybersecurity as a central pillar reflects a belief that protecting children in the digital world is essential for safeguarding the collective future.
Broader Impact and Goals
Through this session, the Arab Parliament for the Child seeks to entrench a culture of constructive dialogue, instill values of responsibility and active citizenship, and provide members with practical tools to transition from passive recipients to active contributors and innovators in their communities. The comprehensive approach underscores the parliament's commitment to refining young leadership skills, strengthening dialogue values, and building a generation aware of national issues and capable of proposing creative solutions.
This initiative continues to amplify the voices of Arab children, ensuring they play a pivotal role in shaping a safer and more inclusive digital landscape for future generations.
