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, presented the Sheikha Fatima Medal of First Class to Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden in recognition of her contributions towards the welfare and well-being of women and children in her country and across the world.

The award was bestowed at a dinner hosted by H.H. Sheikha Fatima at the Emirates Palace last night in honour of the guests and the delegates who participated in the Fatima bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Forum.

In her acceptance speech, Queen Silvia said that the historic event was the first international gathering of its kind to address the challenges faced by women and children. She then thanked H.H. Sheikha Fatima for the great honour to address the forum and explore prospects for forging new partnerships in a bid to support children.

She also lauded Sheikha Fatima's passion and pioneering work for children, and her commitment to ensure the well-being of women and children.

Queen Silvia had established the World Childhood Foundation in Sweden 17 years ago, with a specific vision that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. That foundation believes all children have a right to childhood, to safety, happiness, playfulness and curiosity in life. All children have the right to grow up and develop socially and intellectually. Accordingly, the World Childhood Foundation works to prevent abuse and exploitation of children, support and implement over 100 projects around the world, assisting children who are at risk of or are victims of abuse, children who are in alternative care, street children and families at risk.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sheikha Khuwala bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi, wife of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Sheikha Al Yaziya bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and a number of Sheikhas and leaders of UAE women movements.