The Global Child Forum, an international independent platform for research, dialogue, information and action initiated by Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, has partnered with two of the UAEs leading child protection bodies, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Dubai Foundation for Women & Children (DFWAC), to co-host the first Global Child Forum outside Sweden.

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and DFWAC, the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE for women and children victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, will both feature in the programme of events at the Madinat Jumeirah on the 13th November.

We are delighted to be able to partner with two of UAEs leading bodies against child abuse as the Global Child Forum makes its debut in the Middle East. The success of the Global Child Forum is about bringing together decision makers from across the region and beyond as to discuss some of the biggest issues affecting childrens rights in the Middle East and Africa, said Ulf Karlberg, Chairman, Global Child Forum.

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and DWAFC work tirelessly to provide protection and support services for children and mothers in the UAE and it is a pleasure to have them involved in the conference, he added.

The Global Child Forum, held under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, and Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will bring together over 400 regional and international decision-makers from business, finance, state, academia and civil society to discuss improvements of childrens rights as part of the global sustainability agenda. The aim of the event is to broaden the network of stakeholders working for childrens rights and also to support cross-sector partnerships and knowledge sharing in the region.

Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, is an independent governmental organisation that facilitates the optimal development and protection of mothers and children in the UAE. The SCMC is co-hosting a lab session entitled: Co-Workers are also parents and caretakers. How Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility can support families and children to develop in MENA. The lab will be examining how social policy and corporate social responsibility can contribute and support the development of families with a particular focus on children.

H.E. Rym Al Falasy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood said on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation: The Global Child Forum is a great opportunity for creating partnerships for the fulfillment of childrens rights.

The UAE is committed to creating an environment opportune for building effective partnerships between all sectors of society. The National Childhood and Motherhood Strategy that the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood acts within strongly encourages private sector corporations to adopt initiatives as part of their CSR mandates and programmes that promote child rights. The strategy also calls for the activation of the private sector role in sponsoring adolescent led activities, child/adolescent focused media programmes, as well as health, nutrition, development and protection initiatives.

Afra Al Basti, Director General of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, said: Co-hosting the Global Child Forum in the UAE will enhance the outstanding efforts undertaken by country in the field of child care, either through legislation that guarantees the childrens rights or organisations that provide care and protection for them, where the Emirates is seeking to achieve a competence rank in this field, not only at the regional level but also internationally.

Al Basti praised the unlimited support provided by Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to host this event in the UAE, praising well as the great cooperation given to the Foundation by many entities within the state.

H.E. Afra Al Basti, Director-General, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, will also take part in one of forums action lab sessions entitled; Co-workers are also parents and caretakers. How Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility can support families and children to develop in MENA.