The Expert Group Meetings (EGM) held in Brisbane, Australia, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, focused on the interlinkages between technological trends, climate change, and family structures. These meetings were conducted in partnership with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) at the University of Queensland. The New York EGM discussed the need for family support programs promoting healthy communication skills, strengthening family stability, and contributing to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the Australia EGM brought together experts from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region to discuss the impacts of technology and climate change on family and community dynamics in the regions.
Dr. Khalid Al Naama, Director of the Family Research and Policy Department at Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by the interlinkage between technological advancements and climate change. Technology has the potential to bridge divides, empower families, and foster work-family balance. The Oceania EGM, co-hosted by DIFI, UNDESA, and ISSR, aimed to share cutting-edge research, examine knowledge gaps, and frame policy solutions for bridging digital divides within families and communities, while empowering climate action for a sustainable future.
During the EGMs, discussions were held on digital literacy, AI, and the future of families and communities. Strategies were proposed to promote digital skills, strengthen familial relations, combat digital addiction, cyberbullying, and harmful content for younger generations. Dr. Ahmed Aref, planning and content manager at DIFI, emphasized that the recommendations from the EGMs will contribute to the International Year of the Family global call to action. The Australia EGM also focused on digital identities, screen time, digital parenting, and practical tools families can adopt for sustainable behaviors in their daily lives, as well as community action and intergenerational climate education.
The outcomes of the EGMs held in South Africa and the Middle East were also presented, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the family as a factor for sustainable development. Attendees called for the development of digital literacy programs and digital parenting programs to respond to technological progress and new patterns of uses. The discussions emphasized the need for effective family-oriented policies at the national and international levels to support social development. Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI, highlighted the role of families in sustainable development and the necessity of prioritizing social development through family-oriented policies.
In conclusion, the EGMs held in Australia and New York underscored the importance of addressing the interlinkages between technology, climate change, and family structures. The discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and climate change, as well as the need for family support programs, digital literacy, and digital parenting. The recommendations and outcomes from these meetings aim to contribute to a sustainable future for families and communities, recognizing the vital role of the family in social development and sustainable growth.
