Sharjah Youth Consultative Council discuss culture and security issues

The discussion at the second session revolved around two main topics: Culture and Security.

Under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the close supervision of Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah Youth Consultative Council (AlShoora Program) held the second session of its sixth edition on Monday, 10th Oct 2016, organized by the Higher Organizing Committee of Sharjah Youth Consultative Council.
The discussion at the second session revolved around two main topics: Culture and Security. It covered issues pertaining to culture and security that affects the young generation and highlighted the role of government agencies in resolving these concerns.
 The second session of the sixth edition was graced by number of VIP people, parents, school managers and media representatives.
 The 80 members of the Council, who also represent Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (SYLS) and Sharjah Youth (SY), extended heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his continued initiatives and directives which serve the wellbeing of the young generation.
 The members of the Council were headed by Abdullah Al Shaloubi, Chairman of the Council, accompanied by Shahad Al Kaabi, Vice Chairperson of the Council, Abdulaziz Shattaf and Aisha Al Ali, Secretaries of the Council.
 The representatives of the Council pledged to boost their abilities and contributions in achieving the country's strategic goals. They adopted transparency in their discussion to strengthen the sense of belonging and develop the culture of dialogue and consultation to empower their fellow youth to shoulder future responsibility, overcome challenges and be aware of the national issues.
 Chairman, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and members of the Council extended heartfelt appreciation to Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for providing the young generation with a robust platform to discuss their ideas and concerns. The Council doesn't only listen to youth issues, but also provides them with the opportunity to develop leadership skills.
 Facilitating an atmosphere of freedom and mutual respect, the second session of the sixth edition commenced with a discussion of issues raised by the members. Culture and security were the main topics of discussion, and were discussed in depth with a number of officials in these sectors. The questions and suggestions evidently indicated the eagerness of the members to develop the cultural aspects of the community. It also emphasised the need to reinforce the security measures in the Emirate by adopting the best international practices.
 Among the many cultural suggestions discussed, the provision of musical centres for youngsters in the Emirate of Sharjah was one of the major proposals. In addition, the members of the Council also suggested the establishment of a theatre for young ladies, extending support to the UAE documentary filmmaking, boosting the role of culture in Sharjah schools, encouraging volunteering activities and facilitating communication through the use of sign language at schools.
 In the security aspect, members of the Council suggested developing the security system, including the use of one government identity card per person, the innovation of danger alert system, spreading awareness about domestic workers, blocking websites that offer white arms for sale online, using digital traffic lights and amending the minimum driving age. 
Brigadier Saif Mohammad Al Ziri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police answered the questions about security issues, while Yasser Al-Gergawi, Director of Cultural Centers in the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, answered the questions about cultural issues. The session resulted in a large number of recommendations.
 Abdulla Al Ali, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Sharjah Youth Consultative Council, said that Sharjah Youth Consultative Council is a valued forum that provides the young generation to exchange and express their views and concerns on varied subjects, enables youth to share their ideas and implement them on a regular basis for a brighter, better future and establishes a promising Emirati generation that take up responsibility and effectively contribute to the society.
Shaikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Sharjah Youth Consultative Council said "Sharjah Youth Consultative Council adopts the vision of UAE leadership, which aims to promote the underlying principles of consultation and dialogue in the hearts of the young generation. As an interactive forum that facilitates communication, the Council empowers the young generation to boost their personal skills and enhance their knowledge and creative abilities, in order to qualify them to be active leaders of the future".
 She added: "Sharjah Youth Consultative Council has become an extensive arm of the government. Their suggestions and recommendations will contribute to the development process of Sharjah and UAE. The journey towards betterment is a joint initiative of the people and the government and the role played by the youth in this expedition is commendable".
 Sharjah Youth Consultative Council is a platform for youth to express their views and to share their concerns with officials. The sixth term will be effective for two years. This effective model showcases the ability of UAE's prudent leadership to recognise the importance of empowering youth to become members of an integrated community.
 Sharjah Youth Consultative Council is made up of youth aged between 14 and 17 who are also members of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (SYLS), Sharjah Youth (SY) and students of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS).
repoter@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah