As part of the celebration of the “World Children’s Day”, celebrated on November 20th of each year, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, and H.E. Mr. Hael Al-Fahoum, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Tunisia, opened a webinar held by ALECSO on “Early Childhood Development in Times of Emergencies and Crises in Arab Countries”.
Dr. Ould Amar paid tribute to the Palestinian Ambassador as well as to the children of Palestine, their mothers and their families for their heroic steadfastness in the face of the Occupation’s oppressive practices. He recalled that on October 2, 2020, ALECSO had celebrated, along with all member States, the Arab Children’s Day, and organized, on that occasion, a webinar on “Protecting the rights of Arab children”, attended by nearly 40 participants, who all underlined the need to work toward strengthening the protection of Arab children at all legislative, social, educational and economic levels. He pointed out, in this context, that the celebration of the World Children’s Day offers an opportunity to deepen thinking and renew commitment toward ensuring the rights of children wherever they are.
Dr. Ould Amar insisted that investment in early childhood development is, in the end, an investment in the human being and in the future. It helps to foster human development, promote gender equality, and build a generation of citizens capable of assuming their responsibilities and fulfilling their roles in society. Early education development, he added, means responding, from an early age, to the physical, psychological, emotional and social needs of children, and preparing them to go to school and embrace learning with passion and ability.
On his part, the Palestinian Ambassador highlighted the suffering of Palestinian children and their steadfastness in the face of the crimes perpetrated by the Occupation, including the destruction of homes and the killing of children, women and old people. He paid tribute to all children of the world, wishing them security, peace and well-being.
The webinar was attended by relevant Arab governmental and civil society officials and experts who presented some Arab experiences in early childhood development, highlighted current difficulties in this field, and offered suggestions and recommendations to promote early childhood, especially in times of crises and emergencies.
