The annual Arab Children Congress was initiated by Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein following the 1980 Arab Summit Conference in Amman and is considered to be the longest uninterrupted cultural gathering of Arab youth. Her Majesty Queen Noor wanted to give youth age 14-16 the same opportunity as Nations Leaders to express their needs and aspirations and to be heard by decision makers in the Arab world in a program that gathers 4 youth from each Arab and European country for a week of visiting, learning and cultural interaction especially designed to promote peace, understanding tolerance & solidarity amongst the Arab youth.

For the past 24 years the Arab Children Congress is held regularly in July of every year under the patronage and care of Her Majesty Queen Noor. It brings together children age 14-16 (two females and two males accompanied by a supervisor) from throughout the Arab world.

In 2004 the ACC hosted participants from 5 European countries thus expanding to become a valuable international event that contributes in bridging cultures, overcoming stereotypes and raising awareness on democratic principles and human rights.

The previous congresses tackled various key issues regarding the well being of the children such as “Solidarity and Tolerance in Arabian Culture”, “Science and Creativity”, “The Challenges and Aspirations of the Future Arab Generation”, “Youth Hold the Future” ,“Intergenerational Dialogue”, “The Right to A Dignified Life”, “My Culture…My Identity”.

• Spread awareness about human rights and children rights through the congress activities and the media.
• Bring together youth from different Arabian and European countries to promote dialogue and exchange of ideas, in order to forge bonds of friendship between them, while fostering activities, reflection and action in favor of peace, cross cultural understanding solidarity and tolerance.
• Shed light on common problems facing children and youth in the world.
• Call for social protection measures for children from exploitation, labor, social protection and the effects of war.
• Mobilize support from different sectors of society for human rights with emphasis on child abuse and encourage broad participation in initiatives.
• Promote and encourage children’s talents and develop their creativity in the artistic and cultural fields such as, drama, dance, music and songs, poetry and visual arts.
• Provide decision-makers with the aspirations, recommendations and declaration of the participating youth in the ACC.