The Fourth Gulf Family Policy Forum recently concluded in Doha, with a focus on advancing family policies across the GCC countries. Organized by the Doha International Family Institute in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, the event brought together officials, experts, academics, and specialists in social and family affairs. The theme of the forum was ‘Sustainability of the Family Institution in the GCC Countries,’ addressing critical issues such as the impact of marital separation on children and the challenges faced by family structures in the modern digital age.
Participants from various GCC countries shared successful experiences in marital guidance and emphasized the importance of using technology and social media to strengthen family bonds. Experts highlighted the negative impact of family dissolution on children and called for research and interventions to mitigate these effects. The forum also focused on positive separation and presented Gulf experiences in implementing effective social policies to support family institutions.
Through scientific sessions, research presentations, and working papers, the forum provided a platform to examine the sustainability of Gulf family institutions from multiple perspectives. It stressed the importance of addressing challenges to family cohesion and stability, advocating for successful social policies at both the Arab and Gulf levels. Practical initiatives were proposed to reduce the impact of family disputes and incorporate these strategies into broader social policies.
Overall, the Fourth Gulf Family Policy Forum in Doha was a significant step in advancing family policies in the GCC countries. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and officials, the event highlighted the importance of addressing challenges faced by family structures in the region. With a focus on sustainability, the forum emphasized the role of marital guidance, technology, and research in strengthening family bonds and supporting resilient family institutions in the Gulf.
