Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, received the certificate renewing Sharjah's status as a Child Friendly City from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday. This significant recognition was presented during a meeting with Lana Al Wreikat, Director of UNICEF for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, held at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in University City.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Ruler of Sharjah expressed his appreciation to the delegation and reiterated Sharjah's longstanding commitment to various programmes aimed at supporting families and nurturing children. His Highness emphasized that the foundation of a strong society lies in providing children with proper upbringing and education. He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with international organizations, such as UNICEF, to elevate Sharjah's capabilities and ensure its initiatives meet international standards in child and family welfare.
The discussions during the meeting touched upon Sharjah's ongoing projects and future plans for enhancing child-friendly practices. The dialogue also included a review of UNICEF's global initiatives, underscoring the importance of cooperation among organizations dedicated to childhood development.
Lana Al Wreikat congratulated the Ruler of Sharjah on the renewal of the recognition certificate, acknowledging Sharjah's unwavering commitment to child rights and welfare. She noted Sharjah's success in involving children and teenagers in community projects, which aids in crafting policies that resonate with their needs.
Al Wreikat further expressed UNICEF's pride in partnering with Sharjah, emphasizing the emirate's role as an inspiring model for child-friendly practices both regionally and globally. She thanked Sheikh Dr. Sultan for his hospitality and commended his vision for childhood development.
The renewal of the certificate aligns with Sharjah's designation as a "Child and Family Friendly Emirate" in November 2025 and the "Year of the Family 2026." This recognition reinforces Sharjah's commitment to fostering a family-focused environment, enhancing its reputation as a global leader in child and family welfare.
The meeting was attended by several prominent officials, including Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, and Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Marri, Chairman of Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, among others.