Protecting children beyond a moral duty, says Deputy PM

Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, delivered a keynote speech during the opening of the WeProtect Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior and the WeProtect Global Alliance.

Extending a warm welcome to attendees, Sheikh Saif conveyed greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He emphasised that “protecting children goes beyond a moral obligation; it is a shared responsibility for all.”

The Deputy PM highlighted that children represent the cornerstone of the future, and prioritising their security is an investment in a sustainable tomorrow. Sheikh Saif noted that “with the vision of the wise leadership, the UAE has become a leader in child protection.”

Under the leadership and vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting global initiatives that ensure the protection of children across all domains.

Reflecting on a decade of progress, he highlighted the WeProtect Alliance’s growth, now encompassing 100 government organisations, 75 private sector entities, and 130 civil society and international governmental organisations.

The Deputy PM urged stakeholders to address digital age challenges, calling for strengthened partnerships with global technology companies.

He encouraged corporations to leverage artificial intelligence and innovative technologies to create secure digital spaces for children to grow and thrive.

Acknowledging the foundational role of families, Sheikh Saif highlighted that families remain the primary line of defence in safeguarding children and guiding them towards the responsible use of technology. He stressed the importance of equipping families with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate digital challenges and raise a conscientious and responsible generation.

Summarising the essential nature of this work, Sheikh Saif reaffirmed that the world’s future hinges on the provisions made for children today.

He called for collective efforts to bolster digital integrity and establish a safe, nurturing environment to pave the way for a brighter, safer future for children.

Sheikh Saif emphasised, “We are dedicated to stepping up global collaboration in the effort to safeguard children.”

The summit’s opening was attended by various high-level international officials, including ministers from Belarus, the Philippines, Seychelles, Kosovo, Serbia, Turkey, Tanzania, and Nepal, as well as representatives from the WeProtect Global Alliance and other government officials from within and beyond the UAE.

The WeProtect Global Summit in Abu Dhabi brought together global leaders from governments, NGOs, the private sector, innovators, and advocates, all united by a common mission to protect children from online violence, sexual abuse, and various forms of exploitation.

This summit highlighted the critical need to prioritise the protection of children online, especially in light of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. Governments and law enforcement agencies around the world must make child protection a priority, as children are increasingly exposed to violent, offensive, and sexually explicit content online.

Such exposure poses serious threats to their well-being, development, and can severely affect both their psychological and physical health. Therefore, it is crucial to unite in the fight against all forms of online violence to protect the most vulnerable members of our societies.

Achieving this requires balancing safety with innovation. While technological innovation should not compromise online safety, it should instead be harnessed to protect children. Governments must collaborate with technology companies to ensure that available and emerging technologies are effectively utilised to combat online violence and child abuse, and global cooperation remains essential.

The UAE’s role in hosting this high-profile global summit further underscores its leadership in child protection and its commitment to promoting international collaboration for collective progress, guided by the visionary leadership and core values of the UAE.

WAM

Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, delivered a keynote speech during the opening of the WeProtect Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior and the WeProtect Global Alliance.

Extending a warm welcome to attendees, Sheikh Saif conveyed greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He emphasised that “protecting children goes beyond a moral obligation; it is a shared responsibility for all.”

The Deputy PM highlighted that children represent the cornerstone of the future, and prioritising their security is an investment in a sustainable tomorrow. Sheikh Saif noted that “with the vision of the wise leadership, the UAE has become a leader in child protection.”

Under the leadership and vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting global initiatives that ensure the protection of children across all domains.

Reflecting on a decade of progress, he highlighted the WeProtect Alliance’s growth, now encompassing 100 government organisations, 75 private sector entities, and 130 civil society and international governmental organisations.

The Deputy PM urged stakeholders to address digital age challenges, calling for strengthened partnerships with global technology companies.

He encouraged corporations to leverage artificial intelligence and innovative technologies to create secure digital spaces for children to grow and thrive.

Acknowledging the foundational role of families, Sheikh Saif highlighted that families remain the primary line of defence in safeguarding children and guiding them towards the responsible use of technology. He stressed the importance of equipping families with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate digital challenges and raise a conscientious and responsible generation.

Summarising the essential nature of this work, Sheikh Saif reaffirmed that the world’s future hinges on the provisions made for children today.

He called for collective efforts to bolster digital integrity and establish a safe, nurturing environment to pave the way for a brighter, safer future for children.

Sheikh Saif emphasised, “We are dedicated to stepping up global collaboration in the effort to safeguard children.”

The summit’s opening was attended by various high-level international officials, including ministers from Belarus, the Philippines, Seychelles, Kosovo, Serbia, Turkey, Tanzania, and Nepal, as well as representatives from the WeProtect Global Alliance and other government officials from within and beyond the UAE.

The WeProtect Global Summit in Abu Dhabi brought together global leaders from governments, NGOs, the private sector, innovators, and advocates, all united by a common mission to protect children from online violence, sexual abuse, and various forms of exploitation.

This summit highlighted the critical need to prioritise the protection of children online, especially in light of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. Governments and law enforcement agencies around the world must make child protection a priority, as children are increasingly exposed to violent, offensive, and sexually explicit content online.

Such exposure poses serious threats to their well-being, development, and can severely affect both their psychological and physical health. Therefore, it is crucial to unite in the fight against all forms of online violence to protect the most vulnerable members of our societies.

Achieving this requires balancing safety with innovation. While technological innovation should not compromise online safety, it should instead be harnessed to protect children. Governments must collaborate with technology companies to ensure that available and emerging technologies are effectively utilised to combat online violence and child abuse, and global cooperation remains essential.

The UAE’s role in hosting this high-profile global summit further underscores its leadership in child protection and its commitment to promoting international collaboration for collective progress, guided by the visionary leadership and core values of the UAE.

WAM