Global Child Forum makes int'l debut in U.A.E. with forum on children’s rights in MENA region

Dubai (WAM): The Global Child Forum, GCF, a global, non-profit, and independent multi-stakeholder platform for research, dialogue, information and action, which was initiated in 2009 by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf and H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden, will make its international debut on 13 November at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, bringing together more than 400 regional and international decision-makers from business, finance, state, academia and civil society to discuss improvements of children’s rights as part of the global sustainability agenda. The Global Child Forum on the Middle East and North Africa will be organised under the patronage of H.M Queen Silvia of Sweden and HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, Wife of Vice President and Prime Minister of U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City. The aim of the high-level forum is to broaden the network of stakeholders working for children’s rights and also to support cross-sector partnerships and knowledge sharing in the region. "We believe that by creating a platform for informed, global dialogue and building partnerships between different sectors of society we can inspire to effective and innovative cross-sector action on children's rights," said Ulf Karlberg, Chairman, Global Child Forum. "After four successful international Forums at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden, Global Child Forum is now ready to take the next step. Dubai in its role as the hub of the MENA region was an obvious choice," Karlberg added. Global Child Forum's vision is a sustainable world where children's rights are respected and supported by all stakeholders in society. We believe that by creating a platform for research and informed, global dialogue and building partnerships between different sectors of society we can inspire to cross-sector action on children’s rights. The Global Child Forum on the Middle East and North Africa is a full day event with plenary sessions, a networking luncheon followed by action-labs and cultural festivities celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The aim of the Forum is to broaden the network of stakeholders working for children’s rights and to support cross-sector partnerships and knowledge sharing. The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children are co-organisers of the Global Child Forum on Middle East and North Africa. Other regional co-organisers are the Arabia CSR-Network, the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood of U.A.E. and the League of Arab States. – Emirates News Agency, WAM