Kuala Lumpur: Children need to live safely with their families if they have to reach their full potential, said His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, calling for legislation and policies to protect children and guarantee their human rights.
Shaikh Sultan and his wife, Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, on Thursday attended the Global Child Forum in Kuala Lumpur, an event held under the patronage and with the active participation of Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, and Queen Silvia.
Dr Shaikh Sultan called on world leaders and the international community to ensure the rights of children to education, health, and protection from abuse and exploitation.
Shaikha Jawaher called on governments, institutions and decision makers to pay attention to forgotten groups of children around the world. “The future of peace in the entire world requires a united international stand towards underprivileged 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 health care and psychological stability in order to secure a future of peace, progress and stability for the entire world,” she said.
Shaikha Jawaher added: “Suffering is not a destiny that faces a particular people, but a passing phase that will come to an end thanks to cooperation and collective efforts of the international community and the sincere desire to ensure a better future for generations to come. Childhood experiences can last a lifetime, so we must work together to ensure we do not have a lost generation of adults of tomorrow if we really want peace and development for all. We must start working with today’s children throughout the world, working together to protect them and the future of humanity.”
The forum, held under the theme of ‘Mobility and 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 technological progress, a young and growing workforce, and the expanding travel and tourism industry in the region, as it 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.”
Also attending the Global Child Forum were over 250 leaders and decision makers from governments, business, civil society and academia who discussed how various business sectors can contribute to supporting and promoting children’s rights in the Southeast Asian region.
