Child-Friendly Media Workshop Launched in Abu Dhabi Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima, Hosted by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in Collaboration with Regional and International Partners

• This workshop is part of the preliminary program for the Fatima bint Mubarak Forum for Motherhood and Childhood on mental health.

• Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak stated, "We all bear a great responsibility towards children to protect them from anything that may corrupt their minds."

• Her Highness emphasized the importance of enhancing the positive impact of media on children, contributing to the development of a generation that adheres to its noble beliefs, values, and principles.

• Mohammed Al Shehi remarked, "The UAE believes that child-friendly media is responsible, respects children's rights, and promotes their positive values."

• Haifa Abu Ghazaleh noted, "We aim to prepare an Arab media environment that supports the rights of children in development, protection, and participation."

• Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal commented, "The workshop is a step towards solidifying joint efforts to establish a new media culture that advocates for the protection of children's rights."

On April 24th in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation” Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chariwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and in the presence of Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, the regional workshop "Child-Friendly Media" was launched. The workshop was held in collaboration with the Arab League, the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, the AGFUND, and UNICEF.

The workshop aligns with the preliminary agenda of the Fatima bint Mubarak Forum for Motherhood and Childhood on mental health, set to officially occur on October 10th in Abu Dhabi. The forum will particularly focus on children, adolescents, and families, aiming to establish a comprehensive dialogue on mental health issues related to motherhood and childhood in the UAE, and will promote a community-based approach to raise awareness, provide support, and offer effective solutions.

In her opening remarks delivered by Rym bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak welcomed the participants. She highlighted the significance of the workshop's theme as a pivotal societal issue, especially impacting the most vulnerable and influential group—children, who are forming their perspectives and beliefs.

Her Highness stressed, "We all, as individuals and institutions, citizens and officials, carry a profound responsibility to protect children from harmful influences and to provide an optimal environment that ensures their proper upbringing and safety, especially amidst the daily changes affecting all aspects of life."

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak pointed out that media is one of the significant influences children face globally, particularly with the proliferation and diversity of platforms and ease of access. She noted that our era's rapid advancements require us to guide and govern media to maximize its benefits and mitigate its drawbacks, ensuring our children grow into responsible, discerning individuals who can contribute positively to their society and build the future we aspire to.

Her Highness expressed confidence that the efforts of the workshop participants and the cooperation of all involved in child welfare would achieve the noble goal of nurturing the desired future generation, ensuring the well-being of our nation and its children.

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