The 12th edition of the Sharjah Arab Children Forum (SACF) starts its seven-day programme of activities tomorrow evening (Monday), with the event kicking off at 6pm at Al Qasimia University, Sharjah.

Taking place under the slogan: ‘Hear us, we are the Future,’ SACF 2016, which is organised by the Sharjah Children Centres, runs from March 28 to April 3 and features a host of activities that have been specially designed to empower the region’s youth.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, SACF 2016 will host more than 120 children from more than 10 Arabic countries; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania, Comoros, Jordan and United Arab Emirates. The Emirati delegation includes 81 children from a cross-section of areas and children centres and the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

The 12th edition of the forum will for the first time feature new training programmes that have been formulated to develop and empower children by imbuing them with inspirational, team-building and motivational skills. Meeting the highest international standards, the various programmes will instil innovation and leadership in the young attendees in order that they can become constructive citizens in the building of their home communities.
SACF 2016 has a focus on the social and developmental hurdles that Arabic children face in Middle-Eastern and North-African countries. It will hold a number of workshops, seminars and discussion panels that incorporate the latest learning methods to facilitate access to information. It also aims to highlight the UAE’s social and humanitarian efforts in empowering children.

The Sharjah Arab Children Forum is a biannual pan-Sharjah initiative organised by the General Department of the Sharjah Children’s Centres - a Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The forum acts as a platform for Arab children to discuss various issues and exchange ideas and experiences with their peers from all nationalities in a peaceful and secure environment. SACF treats children as an important section of society who play a significant role in shaping the present and future of the world.