The Sharjah Child Friendly Office (SCFO), an entity that aims to protect and elevate the rights and wellbeing of children and young adults (0 – 18 years) in Sharjah, has been conferred with the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification for consistently offering services that meet the public’s as well as regulatory requirements, and for demonstrating the ability & continual improvement  in its operations and processes in tandem with international best practices.

Additionally, SCFO has also confirmed to the requirements of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)’s 26000: 2010 Guidance on Social Responsibility, which seeks to assist organisations in contributing to sustainable development, and boost their contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 – 16.

With these new international laurels, SCFO has reaffirmed dedication to realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, to continue promoting the welfare of society and the environment by designing comprehensive child protection and welfare strategies, and implementing them in cooperation with relevant institutions and government authorities.

The ISO 26000:2010 guidance was conferred on SCFO for translating socially responsible principles into effective actions to contribute to the health and welfare of society, and thereby providing guidance on how businesses and organisations can contribute to sustainable development. This new international commitment will enable the entity to further its core objectives of integrating, implementing and promoting socially responsible behaviour within SCFO, and, through its policies and practices, within its sphere of influence.

Responding to the recognition conferred by ISO, Dr. Hessa Khalfan Al Gazal, Executive Director of SCFO, said: “The Sharjah Child Friendly Office is honoured to be recognised by ISO as an efficient and organised operation with a focus on continuous improvement and delivery of high level of services. At SCFO, we are committed for  good governance, promoting socially responsible behaviour and practices, and boost societal welfare. This prestigious international recognition testifies the fact that we are continually striving for excellence in all our services.”

“The rights and welfare of children and young adults can be best ensured by communities that are committed to contributing to sustainable and inclusive development. To be achieved, these goals require social responsibility practices. Our adoption of ISO 26000 offers our efforts to engage and encourage stakeholders a strong boost, and is perfectly aligned with SCFO’s overarching mission to protect children’s rights and offer them a safe and nurturing environment,” she added.

In a bid to benefit children and young adults representing all age group, abilities and origins, without exception, the SCFO has launched a new brand identity last month. The objective behind the Office’s transformation from baby- to child-friendly was to reinforce its emphasis on inclusivity in its programmes and its keenness in adopting a more holistic approach towards the protection and promotion of the rights of all infants, children and young adults living in Sharjah.

Both ISO recognitions received by SCFO are valid for three years, until February 2023.

The Sharjah Child Friendly Office is currently tasked with overseeing the continuation and implementation of the Sharjah Baby-Friendly Project (targeting age group 0-2), and the Sharjah Child Friendly City Project (targeting age group 0-18).