Sharjah has launched the Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, a new organization dedicated to protecting children affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and poverty.
Named in honor of the late son of Sharjah’s ruler, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the foundation aims to continue his vision of creating a safer world for children.
Sheikha Jawaher announced the foundation’s launch during a live call on Sharjah Radio’s ‘Direct Line’ program, emphasizing the importance of protecting children for the future of humanity. “Saving one child means safeguarding entire communities and, by extension, the future of humanity. Children are the embodiment of hope, the leaders and innovators who will shape tomorrow’s economies, development, culture, science, and arts. If they face dangers and adversity, the world’s future is put at risk,” she said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing conflicts, such as the one in Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 15,000 child fatalities since October 7 last year, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Save the Children estimates that up to 21,000 children may have been separated from their families or gone missing.
Global and Local Collaboration
The foundation will work with local entities, communities, and global humanitarian organizations to protect children’s rights in vulnerable regions. In its first three years, it will focus on the global south, including developing and underdeveloped countries in Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Asia. This phased approach will allow the foundation to understand and address the unique challenges faced by children in these regions before expanding to new areas.
Sheikha Jawaher highlighted Sharjah’s strong sense of community and social support as key factors in establishing the foundation. “[The] understanding of our collective responsibility towards one another serves as a driving force,” she said. “Communities flourish when families are resilient and united, ensuring every member, especially children, feels profoundly safe and secure.”
Protecting Children’s Rights
The foundation aims to support policies and address gaps to better protect children’s inherent rights. It will collaborate with organizations working to combat child exploitation and rights violations, conduct research, and raise awareness about children’s rights. Sheikha Jawaher stressed that protecting children is crucial for community resilience. “Children’s issues have become some of the most pressing humanitarian concerns, deeply troubling our collective conscience, especially in the face of escalating conflicts, displacement, poverty, and lack of access to essential services,” she said.
“Childhood represents a time of innocence, requiring unwavering love, care, and protection. Our aspirations for a brighter tomorrow remain high when children receive the care, nurturing, and opportunities they deserve,” she added.
The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation is a significant step towards ensuring a safer, more supportive world for children everywhere.