Sharjah: The University of Sharjah (UoS), in cooperation with the Arab Parliament for the Child, celebrated the graduation of 78 trainees from a diploma programme aimed at preparing future parliamentary leaders from 15 Arab countries. Organised by the University's Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Development (CCEPD), the ceremony included notable attendees such as Ayman Osman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, and Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Deputy Secretary-General.
According to Emirates News Agency, a total of 47 parliament members and 31 youths from national parliaments and child welfare institutions completed 145 hours of intensive training. This programme focused on enhancing participants' personal, cognitive, and leadership skills, enabling them to debate child rights issues, formulate recommendations, and apply parliamentary protocols confidently.
The curriculum included a range of topics such as parliamentary fundamentals, session management, public speaking, brainstorming, protocol etiquette, 21st-century skills, sustainability, artificial intelligence, elections, legislative systems, national children's parliaments, and an introduction to the Arab League. Al-Barout expressed pride in the new cohort, attributing the initiative to the vision and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Al-Barout highlighted the diploma as an accredited qualification that equips participants to fulfil their awareness and leadership roles within their communities. Nusairi congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that the programme serves as a pathway for developing young Arab leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to society. She noted that the initiative reflects the University's belief that leadership begins in childhood and the importance of investing in human potential.
On behalf of the graduates, Dina Banimani from Morocco thanked the Arab Parliament for the Child and the University of Sharjah for their support. She mentioned that the programme significantly enhanced participants' understanding of parliamentary culture and child rights, while strengthening values of dialogue, responsibility, and active participation.