The First 'Arab Media and Child Rights Forum' to attract top officials and media celebrities

The Committee comprises the UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, the Arab Institute for Human Rights, Al Bayan Newspaper and the Dubai Press Club.

The attendees at the meeting included Mr. Mohamed Anees Salem, Head of Regional Media at the UNECEF, Mai Ayoub, Manager of the UNICEF Office in Morocco, Ali Obaid Al Hamly, Head of Media Training Centre at Al Bayan Newspaper and Mona Al Mari, the Executive Manager of the Dubai Press Club.

Mr. Mohammed Anees Salem said, 'The organizing committee has been working hard to ensure the success of this unique event. The committee has set a comprehensive agenda which will highlight topics such as child's rights in the Arab world and the role that the media can play in spreading awareness about children's rights. We are also working on attracting leading officials and media celebrities to participate in this Forum.'

He added, 'Unfortunately, the current state of children in the Arab World is not very satisfactory and there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed. This requires action from leading Arab media and development organizations to help protect and promote children's rights.'

Organising Committee member, Mona Al Marri said, 'Most of the Arab countries have shown interest in being part of this unique Forum. Hence, we are expecting an active participation by top officials and media fraternity, which will definitely help towards building a better future for the children in the Arab world.'

She added, 'The committee will also organize some work-shops to be conducted by experts to highlight topics such as how to protect children's rights and some of the media programmes that take into account children's needs and issues.'

Al Marri also stressed the active role the Club is playing in hosting such events which aim at supporting issues of social relevance. She said that the Club will continue to support media organizations and help spread awareness about the importance of protecting children's rights.