The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is set to host a global conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. The event will take place on October 30 – 31 at the Qatar National Convention Center, as part of the International Year of the Family Conference. The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) is a strategic partner for the conference, with support from the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation, is the youth partner for the conference.
Dr. Sharifa Noman Al Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI, announced during a press conference that the two-day global event will bring together over 2,000 participants, including policymakers, researchers, practitioners, parents, and youth, along with more than 100 speakers and 400 young individuals from over 80 countries. The conference will focus on four main contemporary trends affecting families: technological change, demographic changes, migration and urbanisation, and climate change. Dr. Al Emadi emphasized the importance of supporting families to cope and flourish in a rapidly changing world.
The conference aims to serve as a platform for thought leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to empower families in coping with the challenges of the modern world. It is more than just a dialogue; it is a call to action. The event will focus on developing strategic partnerships, discussing best practices, and laying the foundation for sustainable progress that benefits families and communities worldwide. With the participation of the UNDESA and various international, regional, and national partners, the conference solidifies Qatar’s role as a premier global destination for high-impact conferences.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) has organized an awareness campaign for the International Year of the Family, titled ‘The family is the wealth of a nation,’ which includes activities aimed at enhancing family cohesion and compassion. During the conference, events will highlight Qatar’s experience in social development and family, including the Family Charter, social protection, economic empowerment of the family, and supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. Field trips to social care centers and homes will be organized, along with an interactive exhibition on the activities of the ministry and its affiliated centers.
The partnership between the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DIFI represents a significant step towards achieving the social development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Leveraging their experience in large-scale event management, the committee is dedicated to ensuring the success of the 30th-anniversary celebration of the International Year of the Family in Doha. The event will involve distinguished international, regional, and national partners, further establishing Qatar as a global destination for impactful conferences.
QatarDebate will host a Youth Summit, also referred to as Day 0, on October 29, preceding the official start of the conference. The summit will provide young people with the opportunity to actively participate in the global dialogue on family issues and major challenges. Debating at the summit will enable youth to serve their own causes and communities, introducing new ways of thinking and refining speech. The summit will include round-table discussion sessions on contemporary megatrends affecting families and general dialogue sessions on the role of youth and the future of the family. Dr. Maarafi, Executive Director of QatarDebate, emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future of society and expressed confidence in the summit’s ability to guide policy-making for the next decade.
In conclusion, the upcoming global conference organized by DIFI in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family represents Qatar’s commitment to supporting families on a national, regional, and international level. With the participation of policymakers, researchers, practitioners, parents, and youth from around the world, the event aims to address the contemporary trends affecting families and develop innovative solutions to empower them in the face of challenges. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue, action, and the exchange of ideas to create sustainable progress that benefits families and communities globally.
