Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior inaugurated on Monday evening the Fifth Biennial International Conference for the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
In his address, marking the inauguration of the Conference, HH the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior conveyed to the participants, the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Head of the State and H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai.
He stressed that the UAE, since its inception by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and his brethrens, founders of the Union, has dedicated a great attention to childhood. For this end, all efforts were exerted to support this important segment, which represents a vital component of society. Thus, promoting education; women empowerment policies; enhancing public safety, health and education, were a significant part of this support dedicated to children, being the pillars of the future and the hope of this nation.
He stated: “We meet today, at the Fifth VGT Conference, which aims to strengthen cooperation to build effective international partnership to protect children from risks all over the world. It is our duty to build on the previous efforts, to protect the future generations, which will carry the torch of humanity, long after we’re gone”.
Moreover, His Highness expressed his pride to see this international effort to protect children and childhood; pointing out in a message addressed to the world's children, and martyrs’ children attending this “celebration of hope” that: “You are not alone, in facing challenges and fears. For this end, the forces for good meet in Abu Dhabi, to tell you, out loud: ‘Aspire to a safer and happier tomorrow, in a world that we will all endeavor to ensure that it’s bright, happy, and blessed, where you can enjoy power and sovereignty’”.
His Highness also saluted children who lined up to greet him, and chose a number of martyrs’ children to accompany him to the stage, while delivering his address.
Participating in the conference, are delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, the United States of America and the United Kingdom; in addition to a number of Arab and foreign States, and competent international organizations, including Interpol and Europol.
For his part, Major General Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, emphasized in his address on the occasion, the keenness of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Higher Committee for Child Protection, to ensure concerted efforts in child protection, in line with the directives of the Higher Leadership, and as per the aspirations of HH the Deputy Prime Minister, to make the UAE a beacon and role model in the region, to enhance protection and security of children.
He added: “the UAE is committed to being an active member of the VGT. For this end, it strives to enable all children to achieve the optimal use of modern technologies, in a secure and risk-free manner, against the threats posed by individuals with ill intentions against their communities and against children of the world”.
Moreover, he highlighted the importance of hosting this conference, regarded as an international effort to promote international cooperation as an enabler for prevention. For this end, the conference will include important events, to share knowledge; acquaint participants with the international-best practices; and introduce leading international initiatives and projects.
He added that t