Sharjah to become child-friendly city

Sharjah - By 2025, six children out of every 10 are expected to live in cities and urban areas, according to a Unicef report.

Urban planning authorities in the emirate are planning to draft a road map that aims to turn Sharjah into a child-friendly city.
Gathering in the 'Child-responsive Urban Planning' event held on Sunday, officials discussed how they would create and maintain an environment that nurtures the development of the youth amid the rapid growth and urbanisation taking over Sharjah.
The event was organised by Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC), in collaboration with the Sharjah Child-Friendly Office (SCFO) and United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef).
"This one-day orientation was held to discuss the current situation of children and the urban environment because partnerships and the right collaborations are crucial to this project's success. We are all here to define a vision for Sharjah Child-Friendly City (SCFC) action, based on principles outlined in the Unicef's handbook on child-responsive urban planning," said Khalid Al Ali, member of the steering committee of the Sharjah CFC project and secretary-general of SUPC.
By 2025, six children out of every 10 are expected to live in cities and urban areas, according to a Unicef report. With such a quick pace of urbanisation, providing children and young people a quality life has been one of the biggest challenges the UAE and other ultra-urban nations are facing today, the report said.
Discussions during the event revolved around the challenges children are facing within their immediate surroundings today and how proper urban planning could help in addressing the issue.
"We are responsible for building a safe and adequate child and youth-friendly spaces, which can function as platforms for entertainment and education and contribute to the young's well-being and future. Our responsibilities also include creating a safe environment with facilities, public services and public realms that support the demands and requirements of citizens of all ages," Al Ali said.
The gathering was part of the SCFC's 2019-2021 strategic executive plan, which is aligned with the emirate's aspirations to raise its profile and offer a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment to children.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Sharjah