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Qatar Hosts Global Conference Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family

Doha, Qatar - The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI),a member of Qatar Foundation, will host a global conference to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. The conference will focus on exploring key global trends that affect family dynamics in Qatar, the region, and worldwide.

The conference, which will be held on October 30 and 31, 2024 at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha, will bring together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing families and communities globally.

The conference will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, as a strategic partner, and the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as an executive partner. It will also be supported by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and QatarDebate, established by Qatar Foundation, as the conference’s youth partner.

A Platform for Dialogue and Action

Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that "Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family is a golden opportunity to reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to supporting families at national, regional, and global levels." She emphasized DIFI’s role in developing evidence-based policies that promote family well-being and cohesion. In a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancements, demographic shifts, migration, and environmental challenges, she stressed the importance of prioritizing families and supporting their adaptation, resilience, and prosperity.

Dr. Al-Emadi further added, "The International Year of the Family conference is a platform for thought leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to empower families in the face of these changes." She envisioned the conference as a call to action, aimed at building strategic partnerships, sharing best practices, and laying the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive progress for families and communities worldwide.

A Collaborative Effort for Family Well-being

The press conference was also attended by Mr. Mubarak Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Talal Al-Emadi, Director of the Technical Office at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, and Dr. Hayat Al-Ma'rifi, Executive Director of QatarDebate.

Mr. Al-Kuwari emphasized that the partnership between the Permanent Committee and DIFI aligns with the social development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, paving the way for a promising future. He assured the attendees of the committee’s commitment to ensuring a successful celebration of the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in Doha, leveraging their extensive experience in event organization and management.

Talal Al-Emadi affirmed the Ministry’s strategic partnership for the "International Year of the Family" conference as a testament to their dedication to supporting families as a cornerstone of society. He mentioned the ministry’s early launch of an awareness campaign titled "Family, a National Wealth," which included several initiatives aimed at fostering family cohesion and compassion.

Dr. Al-Ma'rifi highlighted the empowering role of debate culture for young people in serving their own causes and those of their communities. She emphasized the transformative power of debate in sharpening critical thinking skills and honing eloquent communication, making debaters quick-witted and well-prepared. She concluded by outlining QatarDebate’s commitment to harnessing youth potential to drive progress and support the country’s vision, fostering open dialogue and encouraging inclusivity for a future characterized by harmony and collaboration.

Exploring Key Global Trends

Over two days, more than 2,000 participants, including policymakers, researchers, practitioners, parents, and youth, will come together to explore four key contemporary trends affecting the family: technological change, demographic trends, migration and urbanization, and climate change.

The sessions will delve into the impact of technological change on family life, focusing on issues like digital inequality and the importance of developing policies that leverage technology to foster family cohesion. Participants will also discuss how global demographic shifts, including declining fertility rates and migration patterns, are reshaping family structures worldwide, emphasizing the need for policies that support family care and social inclusion.

The conference will address the challenges families face due to migration and the importance of creating family-friendly environments. The increasing threats posed by climate change to family life will be a central topic of discussion, exploring how to empower families to adapt to environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices within their communities.

This conference, held every ten years to commemorate the International Year of the Family, plays a crucial role in shaping policies and programs to support and empower families globally for the next decade.