Talented Child Forum 2 - November 2024

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Society for Community Development, Sheikha Fadia Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, stated that the celebration of Universal Children’s Day primarily aims to highlight the importance of children’s rights, promote respect for their status, and encourage the development of their creative skills. She emphasized that our children are the true wealth and the cornerstone of the future.

Sheikha Fadia affirmed in a statement to reporters on the sidelines of the event — organized by the Society under the title “The Second Children's Forum” in celebration of Universal Children’s Day — the Society’s belief in the necessity of caring for children. This aligns with Kuwait’s approach, based on its constitutional principles, national legislations, and international commitments.

She referred to Article 10 of the Kuwaiti Constitution, which stipulates that “the State shall care for the youth, protect them from exploitation, and shield them from moral, physical, and spiritual neglect,” noting that Kuwait’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in October 1991 crowned a series of steady steps towards the establishment of human rights in general and children’s rights in particular.

Despite the achievements in child welfare — of which we are proud — Sheikha Fadia emphasized that many challenges remain. She called for collective action, transparency, and cooperation among governmental sectors and civil society organizations to address these challenges based on facts and scientific evidence, particularly those related to early childhood development.

She further affirmed the Society’s commitment to enhancing early childhood development policies, supporting and refining the skills of professionals in various fields, and mobilizing resources to overcome obstacles in child development. This is done through a framework grounded in legislative and legal aspects, making child protection a central pillar of the Society’s diverse activities, as children are the backbone of the nation.

In a similar statement, the Society’s Treasurer, Sheikha Nabeela Salman Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, said that Universal Children’s Day is a significant occasion declared by the United Nations in 1954 to shed light on proper child care. She highlighted that attention to children is one of the fundamental pillars of respecting, protecting, and upholding human rights.

She said that Universal Children’s Day provides an inspiring platform to defend, promote, and celebrate children’s rights and translate these into discussions and actions aimed at building a better world for children. She stressed that children’s rights are human rights — they are universal, non-negotiable, and our compass toward building a better world.

Secretary of the Society, Dr. Mona Al-Qattan, also spoke during the celebration, affirming that the Society is keen on organizing the forum for the second consecutive year in celebration of Universal Children’s Day, out of its belief that children are the nation’s true wealth and a successful investment for sustainable development. She emphasized the Society’s commitment to being a nurturing environment for their talents and a positive supporter of their creativity.

She pointed out that the Society, recognizing the importance of this segment of the population, was keen to organize this forum, which includes an exhibition of drawings and artworks in collaboration with the General Art Supervision Department at the Ministry of Education to showcase children’s talents. The forum also featured musical performances, poetry, acting, and traditional dances. She highlighted the Society’s important role in child welfare and its aim to be a nurturing educational environment for children's creativity. This year saw broad participation from male and female students, in collaboration with the Department