Sharjah's Groundbreaking Achievement: Recognition as a WHO Age-Friendly City

The Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has reached a significant global milestone by securing 'Advanced Affiliate' membership in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. This prestigious status makes Sharjah the first city in the Arab world to achieve such acknowledgment, highlighting its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for senior citizens.

Commitment to Senior Well-being

The recognition not only reinforces Sharjah's ambition to improve the quality of life for its aging population but also aligns with the emirate's broader vision of promoting human welfare across all age groups. The transition from a basic membership to an Advanced Affiliate signifies an increase in the recognition of Sharjah's innovative approaches to implementing WHO standards that aim to benefit older residents.
Maryam Majid Al Shamsi, the Director of the Sharjah Social Services Department, articulated the significance of this accomplishment, linking it to the humanitarian vision set forth by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. Al Shamsi stated that this status reflects the emirate's long-term commitment to ensuring that senior citizens can lead dignified lives and engage actively in the community.

Becoming a Regional Leader

As a result of its upgraded status, Sharjah is now positioned as a reference point and a source of expertise for other nations aspiring to establish age-friendly programs. The city has already been sharing its knowledge by providing technical support and exchanging best practices with neighboring countries, including Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This not only bolsters its leadership role in the region but also strengthens collaborations in social policies that advocate for senior citizens.

Enhanced Global Participation

Asma Al Khudari, Director of the Sharjah Age-Friendly City Office, during her comments, pointed out that Sharjah's journey towards being recognized as an age-friendly city began in 2016 when it first joined the global network. The development of integrated action plans and unique initiatives since then has led to this elevated status, which is characterized by higher compliance with international standards. The 'Advanced Affiliate' recognition facilitates greater involvement in global forums and increases the emirate's international visibility while fortifying strategic partnerships with global organizations.

Future Prospects

The road to becoming an age-friendly city does not end here for Sharjah. With its new status in the WHO network, the emirate is poised to expand its efforts towards creating comprehensive initiatives meant for enhancing the living conditions of its senior population. Furthermore, this recognition acts as a catalyst for ongoing projects focused on promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all community members.
In conclusion, Sharjah's historic achievement in earning 'Advanced Affiliate' status from the WHO reflects its unwavering dedication to senior welfare and positions it as a leader in the region's social policy landscape. As it continues to advocate for age-friendly initiatives, Sharjah sets an inspiring example for cities around the world committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens, particularly the elderly.