The Abu Dhabi Childhood Authority (ECA) has introduced a new system aimed at improving the well-being of children in the emirate. This system, applicable to all children up to the age of 18, is designed to answer the critical question: how do we know if a child is thriving? By gathering data from various sectors, including health organizations, education bodies, and social services, the ECA will be able to identify potential issues affecting children’s well-being and their performance in life.

The Thriving Child Index will serve as a guide for making decisions related to children’s education, health, culture, and emotional well-being. Laila Al Hassan, the director of outreach and partnerships at the ECA, emphasized that this initiative will ensure that policies affecting children are based on evidence and measurable outcomes. She pointed to the urgent need for better data in areas like childhood obesity, stating, “With this index, we can track if our efforts, from policy to urban planning, are actually working.”

Al Hassan provided examples that illustrate the impact of cross-sectoral data. One case involved an 11-year-old girl named Farah, who was unable to attend school due to her mother’s caregiving responsibilities for an ill family member. This situation was flagged through evidence of chronic absenteeism, prompting intervention from the Social Support Authority, which arranged for home care. As a result, Farah was able to attend school regularly, leading to improvements in her attendance and learning.

Another example shared by Al Hassan was about a six-year-old girl named Ayesha, who had frequent absences and multiple hospital visits. While each incident appeared unremarkable in isolation, the data collectively indicated that Ayesha was at high risk. By looking at children’s lives holistically, the ECA was able to ensure she received the necessary attention and support.

Yousef Al Hammadi, ECA’s executive director of knowledge and impact, also discussed the importance of collective responsibility in children’s well-being. He noted that the ECA has been engaging with global leaders and UAE policymakers to gather data-driven insights. Existing data on children’s education, health care, and family stability is crucial for identifying challenges and opportunities.

To develop the index, the ECA is collaborating with various organizations, including the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health. Initial research revealed that there was no unified definition of a “thriving child,” which the ECA aims to establish through multiple phases of the index. The preliminary analysis is expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the final version may take up to two years to finalize.

The ECA is also working with international partners from Australia, Europe, and the US to align the project with global standards while tailoring it to meet local needs. The UAE has already implemented measures to address children’s well-being, such as opening the first digital detox clinic for children to tackle screen addiction.

Mr. Al Hammadi articulated the project’s goals, stating, “One of our major priorities is understanding what it means for a child to thrive.” He highlighted the aim of creating a supportive environment where every child can reach their full potential, providing valuable insights for policymakers, parents, and caregivers.