The 10th Arab Forum for Children opened yesterday under the theme ‘Development of Children’s Creativity.’
The Forum was organised by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, in collaboration with the Arab League, under the patronage of H E Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Qatar.
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari; Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs H E Professor Juhaina Sultan Al Essa; the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs H E Nur Al Malki Al Juhani and the Director of Family and Childhood in the Secretariat of the League of Arab States Mona Kamel, were among those present during the opening.
A large number of supervisors and leaders dealing with children’s welfare and rights in Qatar and the Arab world, as well as contributing bodies and national institutions that care for the family, childhood and the development of children’s artistic and cultural, scientific talents and abilities, and over 100 talented Arab children aged 13 to 18 years also took part in the event.
“The convening of this Forum is an important event on the programme of Arab Children’s Day celebration. The day chosen to commemorate the martyrdom of the Palestinian child Muhammad Al Durra, who died as a martyr in the occupied Palestinian territories,” said Prof Al Essa.
She confirmed the keenness of Qatar in hosting the event since it demonstrates the level of attention this nation pays to the child, while supporting all forms of joint Arab action. The gesture, she said, cements Qatar’s commitment to strategically support issues of childhood and child rights, while uniting Arab children and promoting communication among them.
“Child rights are a national priority, and investing in children is a strategic decision made by the State under the leadership of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Thus, the State seeks to achieve its objective by incorporating issues that concern children in all national strategies and plans; providing the best healthcare services for maternity and childhood; and developing an educational system that stimulates creativity, innovation and teamwork leading towards that creates future leaders.
To continue until Wednesday, the forum includes many activities which will introduce the heritage, cultural and scientific development of Qatar to the participating children including: visits to the Museum of Islamic Art, the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, the Education City and the Cultural Village. In addition there will also be a number of art, creative, scientific and heritage workshops, with participation of several organisations and institutions in the country. The forum will conclude by recognising children who won the story, poetry and prose competitions and honouring delegates and participating organisations.
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