SHARJAH,
H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, attended the closing session of the 17th session of the Sharjah Children’s Shura Council and the 8th session of the Sharjah Youth Shura Council, held on Sunday, at the headquarters of the Sharjah Consultative Council.
Several representatives of the Government of Sharjah attended the summit, including Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director-General of Digital Sharjah; Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of the Child Safety Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs; Aisha Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of the Legislation Department at the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah; in addition to members of the Board of Trustees of the Rubu’ Qarn, and several officials of community institutions headed by the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.
Her Highness conveyed her pride in the outstanding contributions made by the members of both councils, who exchanged their ideas and proposals with the representatives from the Government of Sharjah.
Her Highness addressed the members, stating, “I congratulate you on participating in this integrated parliamentary experience. This initiative celebrates efforts over the past 25 years aimed at enhancing a sense of responsibility in children and building the character of citizens who are aware of their rights and duties, as well as representing their national identity for future generations. You contribute to this experience that the Emirate of Sharjah has distinguished itself with, under the patronage and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who supports this council.”
Her Highness stated that individuals are at a critical stage in their lives, during which they have developed important abilities and skills that will contribute to future leadership roles. These leaders are expected to represent society, listen to its needs, and support the ruler in legislative and decision-making processes that benefit the emirate and its citizens. The emphasis should be on changing and serving society, viewing their roles from a perspective of duty and reform.
Membership in the council should not be seen merely as a way to earn titles or gain media attention, as such recognition can often be misleading. The primary goal should always be to contribute to society and engage actively in the emirate’s development process.
The session centred around the role of AI e in local legislation. Her Highness emphasised the critical need to develop an ethical charter and a robust legal framework to oversee the use of AI and advanced technologies. She stressed the importance of addressing potential impacts on privacy and security.
She added, “Artificial intelligence was framed as a valuable partner in shaping the future for generations and society, focusing on how it can enhance individual skills to spark creativity and drive social progress. It was acknowledged that significant changes are on the horizon, highlighting the importance of being prepared to adapt to these shifts.
“Decisions should be guided by the principle of continuous learning, as highlighted by the Ruler of Sharjah. Staying updated on developments in technology and artificial intelligence was recognised as essential for engaging with the digital revolution.”
Madiya Saif Al Tunaiji, Chairperson of the Sharjah Children’s Shura Council, emphasised that the council serves as a crucial platform for addressing issues pertinent to children. She highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence in bolstering children’s skills and raising their awareness of values. She also thanked Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi for her unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Al Jazia Ahmed Al Zaabi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Youth Shura Council, delivered her remarks, underscoring the role of AI as an essential tool for the future. She stressed the importance of upholding human values as we navigate this technological landscape.
Members of the Sharjah Children’s Shura Council highlighted the significance of values and legislation in AI. Meanwhile, the discussions from the Sharjah Youth Shura Council addressed a range of important topics, including the preservation of Emirati identity, the need for enhanced collaboration between “Digital Sharjah” and “Child Safety,” and the necessity for a clear ethical framework governing artificial intelligence, as well as its implications for the job market.
In their responses, representatives from the emirate’s government highlighted the crucial need to raise awareness about the ethical use of AI. They commended the state’s initiatives in this area and emphasised their support for the youth’s efforts to grasp the technical and ethical dimensions of this technology.
