Sultan Al Qasimi Receives UNICEF Certificate Renewing Sharjah as a "Child-Friendly City" and Witnesses the Signing of a Cooperation Agreement

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has received the certificate renewing Sharjah’s recognition as a Child Friendly City membership to the  City Initiative from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This international recognition, overseen by the Sharjah Child Friendly Office (SCFO) under the Sharjah Health Authority, reflects the city’s global leadership in adopting the highest child-friendly practices and its commitment to sustaining international standards.

Following the ceremony, His Highness witnessed the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the Sharjah Health Authority and UNICEF. The agreement aims to enhance collaborative efforts in child rights protection, exchange technical and statistical expertise, and launch field initiatives that directly and sustainably serve the community.

On this occasion, HE Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Sharjah Healthcare City, stated:

"The renewal of Sharjah’s membership to the recognition as a 'Child-Friendly City Initiative ' and the signing of the cooperation agreement with UNICEF demonstrate the emirate’s success in promoting child rights and transforming them into a sustainable, tangible reality that evolves with future aspirations. At the Sharjah Health Authority, through the SCFO, we operate under a vision inspired by deep respect for childhood, aligned with the best global practices. The renewed recognition reinforces Sharjah’s position as a global role model in placing the welfare of the child and family at the heart of development policies. We strive to solidify this status to sustain Sharjah as a child-and-family-friendly emirate, coinciding with the nation’s celebration of the 'Year of the Family 2026'."

On her part, Her Excellency Rym bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, congratulated the Emirate of Sharjah on this achievement, praising the efforts of the Sharjah Child Friendly Office in advancing children’s rights and its commitment to enhancing all services provided to children in a manner that ensures the highest standards of quality of life, well-being, and the full enjoyment of childhood in its best and most ideal form.

She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment, through its strategic partnership with UNICEF, to continuing support and strengthening policies and initiatives that promote children’s rights across the UAE, thereby reinforcing the country’s position as a global model in child welfare and care.

In this context, Al Falasi stated: “In collaboration with our partners, we are working towards a comprehensive vision aimed at making the UAE fully child-friendly by providing a safe and supportive environment that guarantees children the best opportunities for growth, protection, and active participation in society.”

“Sharjah’s recertification as a Child-Friendly City reflects a strong institutional focus on placing children’s rights and wellbeing at the heart of development. It is not a final milestone, but a continued effort to invest in children, strengthen their role as active participants in society, and respond to their evolving needs. The emirate has translated this vision into practice by engaging children and young people in community initiatives and local dialogue, helping ensure policies and programmes reflect their realities and aspirations. At UNICEF, we value our partnership with Sharjah and look forward to building on this progress to strengthen a model that can inspire the region and beyond, where every child can reach their full potential.” said Lana Wreikat, UNICEF Gulf Area Director.

A Continuation of Excellence

This step serves as an extension of the first Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2018 under the patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah and the support of HH Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Under this renewed cooperation agreement, the Sharjah Health Authority through the SCFO will continue to manage the emirate's profile with a strategic vision aimed at establishing Sharjah as a model environment that ensures the optimal growth and empowerment opportunities for future generations. This builds on the emirate’s achievements in creating an integrated social environment that supports the well-being of children and their families. 

Original story published by UNICEF Gulf Area Office, available on their website.