The first Fatima bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Forum has evolved into a global platform for deepening and promoting dialogue and understanding for the good of all humanity, thanks to the unlimited support being extended by its patron, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, said yesterday.

"In her opening remarks yesterday, Sheikha Fatima stressed that the event focusses on children's issues around the world, to properly prepare their present and future. She also stressed that it is a common responsibility to help human societies counter negative phenomena affecting the children's lives and provide a favourable environment to encourage their love for learning, knowledge and experience," Sheikha Lubna said in a statement to Emirates News Agency, WAM.

Women's huge potential can be used for the good of humanity because women are a source of inspiration and motivation for the generations to come, she added, quoting Sheikha Fatima.

"The educational sector across the world is witnessing wide-ranging changes and reforms to keep pace with the fast-paced developments of the 21st century," Sheikha Lubna said, citing early childhood as an area that needs more attention.