Hanane Djoua
Doha
The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) is set to host more than 2,000 world leaders, policymakers, and researchers during an international conference on October 30 and 31, at the Qatar National Convention Center, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF).
To be held under the theme ‘Family and Contemporary Megatrends: Can Policy Shape Technological, Migration, Urbanization, Demographic, and Climate Changes to Protect and Empower Families?’, the conference will gather world leaders, policymakers, researchers, and representatives from international government and non-governmental organisations to discuss the influence of contemporary global trends on families.
The conference aims to continue the legacy of the IYF, initially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, which emphasised the family as the fundamental cornerstone of society, necessitating protection and support. The conference will focus on ensuring that family well-being remains central in policy-making and social support frameworks.
Announcing the conference at an event at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Education City on Sunday, Dr Sharifa Noman Al Emadi, executive director of DIFI, highlighted the significance of the event, saying: "It is a platform for the entire world to discuss all the challenges facing families, along with their solutions. So, we can benefit from our experiences with one another. In addition, it is an opportunity for dialogue, discussion and the exchange of ideas.”
Elaborating on the conference’s objectives, Dr Emadi said, "As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, this conference reiterates Qatar’s commitment to support the family, nationally, regionally and internationally, and the role of DIFI in shaping evidence-based policies that promote family well-being and cohesion.”
She emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges families face today, stating, "In a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advances, demographic shifts, migration and environmental challenges, it is more important than ever to prioritise the needs of families and support them to cope and flourish. The International Year of the Family conference serves as a platform for thought leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to empower families to cope with these changes.”
"This conference is more than a dialogue; it is a call to action. We are here to develop strategic partnerships, discuss best practices and lay the foundation for sustainable and inclusive progress that benefits families and communities around the world,” Dr Emadi added.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) is a strategic partner for the conference, alongside the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an executive partner, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), is the youth partner for the conference.
Talal Al Emadi, manager of the Minister’s Technical Office, said: "Our strategic partnership with the conference comes within the framework of enhancing efforts to support the family as a fundamental pillar in society.”
The ministry has already launched an awareness campaign for the IYF titled ‘The Family is the Wealth of a Nation’, which includes several activities aimed at enhancing family cohesion and compassion.
Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak Al Kuwari, executive director to the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences, stated: "In line with the social development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, this partnership between the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Doha International Family Institute represents a significant step towards a promising future.”
Dr Hayat A. Maarafi, executive director of QatarDebates Center, said: "Debating enables youth to effectively serve their own causes and those of their communities. It introduces new ways of thinking and refines speech, increasing mental agility. This is the impact we observe at QatarDebate Center.”
She added, "Our approach is to harness the capabilities of youth towards progress and to support the state’s vision, with knowledge that engages open minds and liberates them from the constraints of disparity and difference, leading to a world of coexistence and harmony.”
This conference is a continuation of the legacy of the International Year of the Family (IYF), which began in 1994 and underscores the need to protect and support the family as the cornerstone of society. It is marked by the establishment of DIFI by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in 2004 during the 10th anniversary of the IYF, which has played a significant role in shaping global family policy discourse.