UAE and India Strengthen Ties in Child Development Services

The UAE and India have taken important steps to enhance cooperation in child development services. The discussions focused on areas such as early childhood education, nutrition, and child participation initiatives. These talks took place on the sidelines of the first International Financing Summit for Early Childhood, hosted by UNICEF in New York during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

Meeting Between Key Leaders

Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, represented the UAE at the meeting. She met with Shri Anil Malik, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development. Both sides shared insights on existing programmes and explored how their countries could learn from each other’s successful experiences in supporting children’s development.

Focus on Early Childhood Education

A major focus of the meeting was early childhood education. Both the UAE and India recognised that improving the quality of education in the early years is vital for a child’s growth and future success. The two countries discussed possible exchanges of curricula, teaching methods, and educational tools. This cooperation aims to raise the standards of education for young children in both nations.

Nutrition and Child Growth Programmes

The talks also covered the critical area of child nutrition. Delegates reviewed programmes supporting breastfeeding and complementary feeding, which are essential for children’s health. They also discussed the possibility of launching a joint project to measure the long-term impact of nutritional interventions on children’s physical and mental growth.

Plans for a Joint Childhood Report

As part of South-South cooperation, the UAE and India considered preparing a joint report on the state of childhood. This report would serve as an international example of best practices in collaborative child development strategies. Such an initiative could help other nations learn from the UAE and India’s progress and challenges.

Child Participation and Parliaments

Another key topic was child participation. The two sides explored initiatives to strengthen child engagement through child parliaments. Plans were discussed for possible joint activities between the Emirati Children’s Parliament and Indian child parliaments. These activities may include digital dialogues on important themes such as education, the environment, and digital safety.

UAE’s Achievements in Child Welfare

Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi highlighted the UAE’s achievements in child health and welfare. She noted that under-five mortality in the UAE has been reduced to around five per 1,000 live births, a significant milestone. The UAE also has a high immunisation coverage rate of 96 percent. Additionally, Dubai has recorded a 16 percent increase in early education enrollment, showing progress in educational access.

Key Initiatives Supporting Children

Al Falasi also spoke about the UAE’s initiatives in child protection and mental health. She mentioned the 2024 Fatima bint Mubarak Forum on Mental Health, which focused on children’s psychological wellbeing. Another key programme is the “I Support My Friends” training initiative with UNICEF, aimed at equipping children with life skills and peer support tools.

Efforts to Protect Children Across UAE

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood has expanded its efforts to protect and empower children nationwide. This work has been carried out under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Council launched a school anti-bullying programme in 2016. This nationwide initiative has reached more than 240,000 students and has significantly reduced cases of bullying in schools.

The meeting between the UAE and India reflects a shared vision of securing the future through wise investment in children. Both nations agree that early childhood care and education are crucial foundations for national progress. By joining efforts in education, nutrition, and child participation, the UAE and India are working to create stronger, healthier, and more empowered generations. Their cooperation is also an inspiring example of how countries can collaborate for the wellbeing of children across the world.