Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Sharjah Health Authority and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre. Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, and Lana Al Wreikat, Director of UNICEF for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, signed the agreement.

According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement aims to enhance cooperation in protecting children's rights by sharing technical and statistical expertise and launching community-focused initiatives. This agreement builds upon an initial memorandum of understanding signed in November 2018, which established Sharjah as a model environment for nurturing future generations. It aligns with the emirate's broader efforts to establish a comprehensive community system that supports the well-being of children and families.

Under the agreement, Sharjah will develop and implement strategies addressing the rights of children across various demographics. This initiative is part of Sharjah's continued commitment to being recognized as the first child-friendly city in the region. The agreement supports Sharjah's application for accreditation in the UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, aiming to improve local governance by incorporating children's needs and perspectives.

The agreement also outlines the sharing of research and guidance on the initiative, providing training and technical support, and developing effective monitoring and evaluation methods. It emphasizes promoting existing collaborations through websites and media platforms.

According to the agreement, both parties will work on an established timetable to execute the plan, collect relevant data, address challenges, and ensure the achievement of goals while enhancing coordination between the involved parties.