Islamic values must be ingrained in children and at the same time they must be provided with the benefits of knowledge, science and technology, said Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Wife of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Chairperson of the UAE Women's Federation.

She was speaking at the opening session of the International Childhood Conference. The event is being organised by the Federation as part of the third Childhood Festival under the theme "Together for a Happy Childhood".

She said: "It is necessary to instill Islamic values in our children and educate them about their rich heritage while providing them with the benefits of knowledge, science and technology."

The Federal National Council has approved a law whereby a Higher Council for Motherhood and Childhood will be formed. It supports international attempts to protect children's rights.

The council will influence legislation on mother and child matters, maximise cooperation between official and civic bodies and coordinate and organise Arab, regional and international efforts on children's issues.

She said children are victims of bloodshed and struggles worldwide. They are victims of poverty.

Sheikha Fatima said: "The tragic circumstances in which children live in many parts of the world force us to pursue our efforts to protect them. The children in the Palestinian Occupied Territories are among our concerns, and the continuous bloodshed by Israeli forces is a clear and obvious violation of the international agreement on the protection of children's rights."

The Federation has begun a campaign to create awareness on the risks of smoking, and is discussing with health and education ministries to issue legislation to prevent children from smoking.

Stefan Toma, UN delegate to the Gulf region, and Mosheera Khattab, Secretary General at the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood in Egypt, are attending the conference.

Toma expressed the UN's commitment to bring happiness to children all over the world.