Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, met with some members of the Emirati Children's Parliament, or ECP, on the sidelines of the first session of the new Federal National Council term in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Sheikh Mohammed posed for photos with members of the ECP at Monday's event, state news agency Wam reported.
The ECP was created to encourage children to become involved in the decision-making process by providing a platform for them to express their opinions.
“Its key goal is to nurture a generation that can actively fulfil its social responsibilities and make meaningful contributions to community development and progress,” Wam reported.
“It also aims to educate children about their rights and how they can protect themselves in accordance with the National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood, the Child Protection Law [Wadeema], and the Convention on the Rights of the Child [CRC].”
Also taking part in the meeting with members of the ECP were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, and Reem Al Falasi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the first session of the new Federal National Council, which was opened by Sheikh Mohammed.
Twenty of the 40-member Emirati parliamentary group elected last month, with the remainder appointed by the Rulers of each emirate.
The members of the council, half of whom are women, represent the population of the UAE. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, while Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah both have six. Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
“Today we inaugurated the convening of the new Federal National Council,” Sheikh Mohammed said on social media, following the start of the 18th term of the council.
“We had a successful electoral experience and we established a new milestone in the journey of empowerment.
“Today, the council launches as a supporting, guiding and assisting authority for the government, conveying the aspirations of the people of the union. May God guide everyone for the good of the country and its people.”
The newly elected members of the council were chosen from 298 candidates.
The largest number of candidates were in Abu Dhabi with 118, while Dubai had 57, Sharjah 50, and Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah had 21, 34, 14 and 15.
