UAE: Jawaher Al Qasimi launches Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation to aid vulnerable children globally

Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 2: Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the esteemed wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, has officially unveiled the launch of the ‘Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation’ during a live broadcast on the ‘Direct Line’ program on Sharjah Radio. This independent global humanitarian foundation, based in Sharjah, is dedicated to the protection and well-being of children worldwide, especially those affected by conflict, natural disasters, and severe poverty.

The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation is named in honor of Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, serving as a tribute to his enduring legacy. It reflects the joint humanitarian vision of Sheikha Jawaher and the late Sheikh Khalid, embodying their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and fostering a safer environment for those impacted by adversity.

Sheikha Jawaher emphasized the foundation’s mission to collaborate with local communities, global humanitarian organizations, and various stakeholders. The foundation aims to ensure that children’s rights are protected and promoted in at-risk communities worldwide.

Key Objectives of the Foundation

• Right to Identity: Ensuring every child is registered and possesses essential documents, such as a birth certificate.
• Right to Quality Education: Providing access to high-standard education that prepares children for a prosperous future.
• Right to High-Quality Healthcare: Guaranteeing access to necessary medical services for children’s physical and mental well-being.
• Right to Family and Community Care: Ensuring that children receive the support they need from family and community structures.
• Right to Express Talents and Passions: Allowing children to explore and develop their skills and interests, crucial for their personal growth.

By focusing on these fundamental rights, the Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation aims to empower and protect children while fostering their development. Sheikha Jawaher highlighted that addressing these rights helps reduce risks such as poverty, illiteracy, exploitation, forced labor, child trafficking, injustice, isolation, and oppression.

Foundation’s Strategic Pillars

1. Prevention: Implementing community awareness initiatives and development programs to educate and inform about children’s rights and well-being.
2. Support: Providing direct care and safeguarding for children in need, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and assistance to thrive.
3. Partnerships: Building a global network of collaborations with organizations, governments, and community groups to enhance the foundation’s impact.

During its initial three-year phase, the foundation will focus on regions in the global south. This approach will allow it to thoroughly assess the specific needs and challenges faced by children in these areas. As the foundation gathers insights through continuous monitoring and evaluation, it plans to gradually expand its reach to include additional regions and communities in need. This phased expansion ensures that resources are utilized effectively and that interventions have a meaningful impact.

Sheikha Jawaher discussed the rationale for prioritizing global children’s rights, stating, “The strong sense of community and social support in Sharjah has highlighted the crucial role a cohesive society plays in achieving aspirations and dreams across all spheres. Improving the world starts with enhancing and uniting communities. A cohesive community lays the foundation for stability, progress, and the cultivation of noble ambitions, values, and principles, unlocking humanity’s full potential.”

She further explained, “Communities flourish when families are resilient and united, ensuring that every member, especially children, feels safe and secure. A child at risk undermines community resilience, while a nurtured and protected child strengthens it. Guided by the directives of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation is dedicated to turning this vision into action.”

Sheikha Jawaher also addressed the pressing nature of children’s issues, emphasizing that they are among the most urgent humanitarian concerns. “Supporting and protecting a child is akin to embracing the entire world—saving one child means safeguarding entire communities and, by extension, the future of humanity. Children represent hope, and their development impacts the future of economies, cultures, sciences, and arts. If they face dangers and adversity, the world’s future is at risk. Conversely, our hopes for a brighter future remain high when children receive the care, nurturing, and opportunities they deserve.”

The foundation’s strategy involves working with various actors to support policies and address gaps in protecting children’s rights. This includes supporting efforts to combat child exploitation and rights violations, assisting victims, and reinforcing the work of those on the front lines. Additionally, the foundation will collaborate with NGOs to conduct research, raise awareness, and drive initiatives that contribute to the betterment of vulnerable children’s lives.