Gulf Children's Day represents an important annual occasion to review achievements and evaluate efforts in the field of child welfare. This celebration reaffirms the GCC countries' commitment to international conventions, most notably the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and seeks to strengthen Gulf identity among young people amidst rapid global changes.
In this context, a group of experts confirmed to Al-Youm that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made significant strides in child quality of life indicators, moving beyond basic care to empowerment and leadership development. They pointed out that these efforts have been shaped by a robust legislative framework that criminalizes abuse and neglect, and guarantees the right to education, health, and a decent standard of living.
Foundations of psychological and social development
Dr. Amani bint Mohammed Al-Dosari, Associate Professor of Personality and Social Psychology, explained that celebrating Gulf Children's Day reflects the maturity of the Gulf experience in institutionalizing children's rights. She pointed out that the integration between the health and education sectors has played a pivotal role in the early detection of developmental disorders, contributing to the provision of nurturing environments that respect individual differences and promote mental health.
For her part, psychological and family counselor Badriya Al-Maimouni emphasized the importance of the legal frameworks established by the GCC countries, including official channels for reporting domestic violence and social protection units. She affirmed that the family remains the first line of defense, as it bears the responsibility of providing emotional security that no other institution can replace, while the role of the school and the community serves as a support and complement to this system.
Contemporary challenges and the role of sustainable development
In light of the digital revolution, Dr. Maatouq Al-Sharif, an international consultant on sustainable development, pointed out that childhood in the Gulf region faces unprecedented challenges imposed by globalization and the open cyberspace. Al-Sharif commended the strategic role of the Human Rights Office within the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which works to align national policies with international standards while preserving the cultural identity and Islamic values of Gulf society.
Psychologist Intisar Ali Al-Aqeel agreed with this view, stressing that the Gulf initiatives did not overlook the category of children with disabilities, but rather integrated them into comprehensive national strategies that guarantee their rights to education and social integration, which reflects a civilized and humane approach.
Vision of the future and investment in childhood
Dr. Nouf Hassanein, Assistant Professor of Childhood Studies at Umm Al-Qura University, concluded her remarks by pointing to the great harmony between the goals of Gulf Child Day and the objectives of the national visions of the GCC countries, such as the Kingdom's Vision 2030. She emphasized that investing in early childhood, enhancing the role of responsible media, and effective partnership between families and institutions are the real guarantees for graduating a conscious generation, proud of its identity, and capable of competing globally and contributing to the sustainability of development in the region.
