UN workshop empowers future advocates for children in conflict

The Analysis and Outreach Hub of the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict organised a training workshop on "Raising awareness among future advocates on the rights and reality of children in conflict areas”, with the aim of raising awareness about the impact of armed conflicts on children and enhancing the skills of participants in advocacy.The workshop was attended by about 30 students from various academic institutions in Qatar, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Northwestern University, and Georgetown University, as well as youth activists from Education Above All Foundation. The students appreciated the workshop, which will enhance their ability to engage in effective advocacy for children affected by armed conflict.In her speech during the workshop, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba emphasised the crucial role of the new generation in protecting children facing the reality of devastating conflict, saying that children are not just victims of war; they are our future and our hope for a better tomorrow, calling on participants to harness their power to bring about change.Manager of Strategic Partnerships Sheikha Haya Abdulrahman al-Thani highlighted the efforts of Qatar Foundation International and strategic partnerships with the UN, including co-operation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. During the workshop, participants engaged in discussions on six grave violations against children, explored the roles of key actors in advocacy, and developed skills needed to advocate for child protection in conflict zones. The training workshop reflected the clear interest among university students on issues of children affected by armed conflict.