MANAMA: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to develop robust preventive mechanisms to shield children from the risks of the digital world, calling it a “top priority” for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. His remarks came during the opening of a high-level dialogue session in Manama on child protection in the digital era, jointly organised by the Executive Office of the GCC Labor Ministers Council and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Dr Al-Ajmi warned that cyberspace presents a growing challenge to society at large, and to children in particular. He stressed the importance of holding such dialogue sessions to exchange expertise and best practices among Gulf countries, while identifying online threats that could endanger children’s safety, behavior and mental wellbeing. “These sessions are crucial for shaping joint action that safeguards future generations,” he said, adding that fostering awareness and resilience among children is key to building stronger societies.

Participants are pictured during the event. – KUNA photos

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the event, Dr Al-Ajmi noted that Kuwait’s participation reflects its current chairmanship of the GCC Council of Ministers of Social Affairs. He highlighted the need for intensified cooperation and shared strategies among Gulf states to address the accelerating pace of digital transformation and its impact on youth. “The swift evolution of technology demands collective efforts and unified visions to ensure children’s safety in the digital realm,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and public education initiatives that outline both the benefits and risks of digitization—particularly among children.

Dr Al-Ajmi expressed hope that the dialogue would yield practical recommendations to be reviewed by the Executive Office in coordination with GCC ministries, contributing to future strategies in the field of child protection. He further noted that Kuwait remains committed to reviewing and applying successful regional practices. The Ministry of Social Affairs, he said, continues to prioritize childhood development through various dedicated centers and clubs, offering programs that protect children from external risks and cultivate their talents.

Also speaking during the session, Director General of the Executive Office of the GCC Labor Ministers Council, Mohammed Al-Obaidli, affirmed that protecting children from digital risks is a core element of social development and essential for fostering balanced societies. “Digital transformation has touched every household, every family, and every child,” Al-Obaidli said. “While we embrace the advancements it brings, we must remain alert to the social challenges it poses—especially to our youngest and most vulnerable.”

He called for a proactive approach that not only protects children but equips them to navigate the digital world safely within a nurturing family and community environment. He added that regional cooperation provides a vital opportunity to develop integrated and sustainable social policies that support children’s holistic development.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Nassar, delegate of the GCC Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, highlighted the progress achieved by Gulf countries in the field of child protection, including legislative advances and international cooperation. He stressed that safeguarding children in digital spaces is a strategic imperative, calling for enhanced global partnerships and technical assistance for countries facing such challenges. Al-Nassar also praised the diverse experiences of GCC states as valuable models that could inform regional and global initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection in cyberspace. — KUNA