Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
On March 15, the United Arab Emirates will commemorate Emirati Children's Day, an annual event dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being. The occasion underscores the nation's commitment to providing a healthy, safe, and supportive environment for children's development.
Emirati Children's Day was inaugurated in 2016, following the implementation of Wadeema's Law - legislation that was named in memory of Wadeema, a young girl whose tragic death due to abuse by her father highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive child protection laws in the UAE.
The law ensures that all children, regardless of nationality, have access to education, healthcare and protection from abuse and neglect.
Wadeema's Law advocates for the establishment of clear child protection mechanisms, which include the creation of child protection units staffed with specialists who have the capacity to intervene in situations threatening a child's health or safety.
Emirati Children's Day serves to raise awareness among all segments of society about children's rights, ensuring they are met so children can grow up in a healthy, safe, and supportive environment.
"The Day of the Emirates Children is not just a celebration but a message of love and appreciation for the future of the country," Sheikha Rowdah bint Nehayan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said at a session of the UAE Children's Parliament recently.
She said the day would be commemorated this year across the UAE's schools through a variety of educational and recreational activities.
The activities would be centred around emphasising the important role of youth in society and the rights and liberties of children.
This year will also see various events and activities held across the Emirates to celebrate Emirati Children's Day.
Organisations like Gymboree are hosting special events on March 15, offering fun-filled activities, surprises and gifts for children, along with giveaways for parents.
Berkeley Middle East & Musa Shaikh Voice of Global Women will host a virtual gathering, with the theme "Celebrating the bright future of the UAE with love, joy and endless possibilities for our little ones on Emirati Children's Day!"
The event aims to address topics pertinent to children's rights and wellbeing and will feature breakout sessions focusing on issues and subjects relevant to children's development and empowerment.
Discussions will be led by experts in the field, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing children today.
Emirati Children's Day reinforces the UAE's active role in promoting youth empowerment, which has included programmes and initiatives designed to engage young people as key participants in national growth.
The Federal Youth Authority has launched a strategy, aiming to empower Emirati youth through education, innovation, entrepreneurship and active civic engagement.
Initiatives like the Emirates Youth Council, Youth Circles and the appointment of the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, have provided platforms for young people to voice their ideas, participate in decision-making, and influence policy.
Additionally, programmes like the National Youth Agenda and events such as the UAE Youth Global Forum have encouraged leadership development, innovation, and global participation among Emirati youth.
