In collaboration with the Arab Parliament for the Child and with the participation of 68 members representing 17 Arab countries, the University of Sharjah has announced the launch of the Arab Parliament for the Child’s Professional Diploma for Training Parliamentary Leaders.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the University, attended by His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, His Excellency Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, and Dr. Asmaa Nusairi, Director of the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development at the University. The launch of this diploma is a continuation of the fruitful partnership between the two institutions, which began in 2021 and has seen the successful execution of similar programs that have since trained over 300 young leaders from 17 Arab countries in parliamentary affairs.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy expressed his profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, for his unwavering support of the University’s role in serving the community. He highlighted His Highness’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration with various sectors of society to leverage the University’s academic and scientific expertise in the service of society.

Prof. Al Naimiy further emphasized the University of Sharjah’s pride in its continued strategic partnership with the Arab Parliament for the Child, underscoring the University’s dedication to strengthening the role of academic institutions in the development of Arab society. He noted that this program is not merely a training course but an investment in hope and the future, stating, “We firmly believe that investing in the next generation—equipping them with leadership and parliamentary skills through high-quality programs like this one—is a crucial step in empowering a generation capable of driving positive change, addressing future challenges, and actively contributing to decision-making processes that will shape our Arab societies.”

His Excellency Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, affirmed the success of the diploma program since its inception as an advanced training initiative for members of the parliament. He noted that it has played a vital role in refining the young members’ skills and providing them with an integrated foundation in parliamentary culture, enabling them to fulfill their duties to the highest standards. “We are committed to further enhancing and advancing this initiative, which has not only benefited members of the Arab Parliament for the Child but has also benefited other participants from the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, as well as members of national children’s parliaments across the Arab world,” he said. 

Mr.  Al-Barout added that all graduates of the diploma program have expressed pride in earning this academic qualification, which has, in turn, inspired other children to embark on this unique journey. “Today, as we launch the latest updated edition of this diploma program, aimed at training future parliamentary leaders, we take this opportunity to announce expanded access for Arab children to enroll in the program. This initiative aligns with the mission of the Arab Parliament for the Child to promote childhood development across the Arab world,” Al-Barout stated. He encouraged participants to seize this opportunity to deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills so that they are able to participate in parliamentary affairs and build their capacities for a better future.

Dr. Asmaa Nusairi, Director of the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development at the University of Sharjah, stated that the program aligns with the University’s vision, as outlined by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, to cultivate a generation equipped with knowledge and prepared to tackle future challenges. She traced the program’s development since its launch in 2021, emphasizing its success in graduating multiple cohorts, including both members and non-members of the Arab Parliament for the Child while offering ongoing training for supervisory and leadership teams. The current cohort consists of 68 members from 17 Arab countries.

Dr. Nusairi emphasized that the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment for participants. She reaffirmed the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development’s commitment to serving society and investing in human capital, commending the University’s productive partnership with the Arab Parliament for the Child in ensuring the success of this highly successful program.