The UAE Advances Global Commitment to Children’s Wellbeing at Paris Peace Forum

Minister Noura Al Kaabi represented President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Paris Peace Forum, championing integrated approaches to child protection, education and healthcare whilst reinforcing the UAE's role in preserving cultural heritage as a pathway to peace.

In the graceful halls of Paris, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, stepped forward to articulate a vision that places the most vulnerable at the centre of global development. Speaking at the ministerial roundtable entitled “Children First: Making the Case for Investing in Children,” Al Kaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to advancing child wellbeing through interconnected approaches that recognise health, education, protection and family support as inseparable elements of human flourishing.

The minister drew attention to the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026, a national initiative that underscores the nation’s dedication to strengthening the foundations upon which children thrive. She highlighted efforts to safeguard young people in the digital environment, a growing concern for nations seeking to balance technological progress with child safety. Equally, she emphasised international initiatives designed to expand access to education and healthcare for children in vulnerable circumstances, reflecting the UAE’s belief that opportunity and wellbeing ought not to depend on circumstance of birth.

“Childhood happens only once,” Al Kaabi told the assembly. “Health, learning, safety and emotional wellbeing are not separate needs. They are interconnected foundations. Our policies must be interconnected too.” This elegant articulation of a complex truth reflected the UAE’s pragmatic approach to child development: recognising that genuine progress requires policies woven together rather than pursued in isolation.

In a separate session marking the tenth anniversary of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas, known as ALIPH, Al Kaabi underscored the UAE’s longstanding commitment to cultural preservation as an instrument of peace. She reflected on the UAE and France’s partnership in establishing the alliance, a collaboration that has come to symbolise how international cooperation can protect the treasures that bind communities together, particularly in regions touched by conflict.

The minister outlined the UAE’s contributions to global heritage preservation, including its support for the restoration of historic landmarks in Mosul, Iraq, work that extends beyond bricks and mortar to encompass the restoration of dignity and cultural continuity. She spoke of the imperative to strengthen international partnerships and harness innovation to address the emerging challenges confronting cultural heritage in an increasingly complex world.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The UAE’s representation at the Paris Peace Forum reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a nation deeply invested in shaping the global conversation around child wellbeing and international cooperation. Through the Year of the Family 2026, the emirate demonstrates its commitment not merely to national priorities but to universal principles that transcend borders. This engagement reflects the leadership’s understanding that sustainable peace and stability are built upon foundations of education, health and protection.

The emphasis on heritage preservation as a diplomatic tool also speaks to Abu Dhabi’s recognition that cultural protection and community resilience are inseparable from broader peace efforts. By championing these initiatives on the world stage, the UAE positions itself as a thoughtful steward of both human potential and cultural memory, contributing meaningfully to international dialogue on matters of profound human significance.

Source: WAM