DOHA: Qatar is taking the lead in empowering the family through an international conference hosted by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) on April 16 and 17 at Qatar National Convention Centre.
“On the 20th anniversary of International Year of the Family, DIFI is organising an international conference under the theme ‘Empowering Families: A Pathway to Development’, Abdullah bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chairperson of DIFI Board of Governors, told a press conference yesterday.
“Qatar celebrated the 10th anniversary of the day in 2006 by launching DIFI, 10 years later we are celebrating it through this pivotal conference,” he added.
The conference, which will focus on the role of the family in achieving social and economic development, is to witness 69 speakers, decisionmakers and ministers from around the world.
“This is the only event around the world which has an international perspective on issues on family affairs and highlights our contribution as an institution,” said Noor Al Malki Al Jehani, Executive Director, DIFI.
“DIFI aims to celebrate our national identity and the role of family in society. It is the function of DIFI to enhance the role of the family and serve as bridge of communication in the Arab world and beyond with regard to family affairs and development.”
She said the event will gather NGOs in Qatar and institutions from around the world that represent family, highlight policies on family and confront crucial issues. An international report with a focus on family and children will be released during the conference.
Ameena Mesdoua, Director, Policy Division, DIFI, said the conference will focus on three themes — ‘Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion’; ‘Ensuring Work-Life Balance’; and ‘Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity’.
Topics include Family and Poverty, Family and Work Balance, Family and Intergenerational Ties, Family and the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Family and Gender Equality, Men in Families, National Institutions and Family Policy and Family and Civil Society. Speakers include the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi, World Family Organisation President, Dr Deisi Noeli Weber Kusztra, Amina J Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Post-2015 Development Planning; Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, UN High Representative of the Alliance of Civilisations, and Taj Hamad, Secretary-General, World Association of Non- Governmental Organisations.
The Peninsula
