Abu Dhabi: With the aim to instill cooperation and participation in Early Childhood Development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to promote the sustainability of all programs, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority recently announced the formation of the Leaders for Impact team for Early Childhood Development, encompassing the participation of many governmental leaders in Abu Dhabi, whereby the team formation seeks to ensure the stakeholders’ involvement in the Early Childhood Development sector’s decision-making process and to foster public participation in the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for Early Childhood Development for 2035.

The team includes the membership of H.E. Counselor Yousef Al-Abri, Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, H.E. Mubarak Al Muhairi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, H.E. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Acting Undersecretary, at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism, H.E. Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Mualla, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Academic and Higher Education Affairs, and H.E. Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. 

H.E. Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said: “Through this team, we seek to ensure the consolidation and coordination of communication and cooperation efforts between the main entities concerned with the sub-sectors of Early Childhood Development through one team, and the participation of the most prominent leaders and decision-makers in the steps aimed at the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for Early Childhood Development, and to share results regarding the efforts exerted by all parties concerned with early childhood development to ensure efforts alignment and integration between the various entities to set the necessary plans for the development of early childhood programs.”

H.E. Chancellor Yousef Al-Abri stressed the need to adopt efficient governance and take steps to apply the law and achieve justice to ensure children's protection in Abu Dhabi and enable them to thrive in a fair, honest, and stable society.

On the other hand, H.E. Mubarak Al Muhairi, said: "The formation of this team represents a cohesive cross-government approach to elevate our focus on the importance of early childhood education. Through this dynamic collaboration, we pool our collective expertise and resources to make a significant impact on early education.  Together, we will catalyze meaningful progress, facilitate the development and implementation of high-caliber early education programs, and ensure alignment with Abu Dhabi strategic vision for the sector. As we unlock the potential of every child, we lay the groundwork for a thriving, dynamic future that benefits us all."

H.E. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri highlighted the importance of public participation in achieving social sustainability by taking supportive actions to establish an inclusive, cohesive, and inspiring community for stakeholders to achieve leadership and prosperity for the benefit of all children.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, confirmed that the Emirate is equipped with a comprehensive healthcare system that ensures children have access to world-class services to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. She added that the DoH is committed to working closely with the relevant stakeholders to continuously develop healthcare services in an effort to provide children with highest levels of care in Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani highlighted the value of inspiring curiosity through inviting young children to immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi's cultural venues. With collaboration between all relevant government sectors, Abu Dhabi can empower young people and parents to elevate early childhood development.

H.E. Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, pointed out the need to inspire solutions for establishing children-friendly infrastructure that considers their needs, including parks and recreational facilities for children, as to enhance their quality of life and encourage them to practice interactive activities, sports, and play, which will positively reflect on their health and wellbeing.

H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla said: "The Ministry of Education is keen on allocating human capital and directing its work toward positively influencing the enhancement of education quality and the learning abilities of our young children".

The Leaders for Impact team will meet quarterly to discuss the latest developments of the seven strategic programs of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for Early Childhood Development for 2035, namely: Public Participation, Research, Data, Family Support, Policies and Legislation, Child Protection, and Human Capital. The team will also work on issuing the necessary recommendations for developing policies and strategies to enhance lifestyles and promoting  children's well-being and development standards.

The Early Childhood Development journey is multi-sectoral and mainly requires coordination between the various stakeholders involved in creating an impact that achieves the desired positive change. The Abu Dhabi Early childhood Authority continues to exert efforts aimed at increasing public participation in the Early Childhood Development journey and promoting the partners’ contribution to the development of this vital and important sector.

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