A city that cares for the aged: This is the latest accolade Sharjah has won for its initiatives in preserving humanitarian values and principles.

To mark the title, a logo was officially launched during the Sixth Elderly Services Forum, which is being held at Al Qasimia University on Sunday. The two-day forum is being organised by the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Sharjah has become the first Arab city to join the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities in 2016.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and head of Central Finance Department, launched the new logo of 'Sharjah, a city that cares for age' which symbolises six elements including humanity, connected society, looking for the future, available information, smile, hope and sustainable environment. The forum, held under the slogan of 'Age-Friendly Cities', was attended by participants from member cities in the international network for the age-friendly cities, which was founded by the WHO. Addressing the forum, Dr Mahmoud Fikri, director of WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, said Sharjah has implemented the initiative with great effectiveness and has made significant progress in ensuring the best environment for its elderly citizens.

Dr Fikri pointed out that Sharjah has closely followed the development of the services for the elderly and has implemented necessary procedures to be officially adopted by the network as a city that is worthy of the elderly. Afaf Al Meri, director-general of SSSD, said that the forum helps in reviewing the initiatives and to achieve welfare for the elderly people.

Source: Khaleej Times