The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) and Qatar Foundation’s Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) have signed a number of key agreements to host the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of The Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends.

The conference will explore the most prominent contemporary global trends, highlighting policies affecting families around the world.

Minister of Social Development and Family H E Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani attended the signing ceremony. 

Ahead of the conference, the MSDF and DIFI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a sponsorship agreement for the strategic partnership between the two parties. The agreements were signed by Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim Al Thani and Executive Director of DIFI Dr. Sharifa Noman Al Emadi.

The cooperation aims to enhance joint efforts between two parties and their commitment to supporting the family as a basic pillar of society and promoting social development policies that focus on improving quality of life in Qatar.

The purpose of the agreement is to raise awareness about the challenges facing families in the modern era, and highlight the importance of the family’s role in sustainable development. It will include joint initiatives such as workshops and research studies that address family issues. 

The MSDF said the agreement reflects its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with local and international institutions that contribute to strengthening family policies, and praised the role of DIFI in enhancing efforts to maintain family stability and cohesion.

The Ministry plays a pivotal role in supporting programs, events, conferences, and awareness campaigns that contribute to raising awareness of the role of the family in achieving the sustainable development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Ministry pays great attention to this anniversary, which is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the central nature of the family.

This cooperation highlights the key importance attached by Qatar, represented by MSDF and DIFI, and embodies the firm commitment to promoting social welfare and the contribution of the family to achieving development as a fundamental element that must be strengthened, protected and continuously supported to invest in building strong, cohesive families.

Dr. Al Emadi said: “Qatar has proven its deep commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to support families around the world, beginning with its organisation of the conference to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2004, and then the 20th anniversary conference of the International Year of the Family in 2014.”

She added: “This year’s conference will be an embodiment of this legacy, bringing together thought leaders and experts to exchange ideas and explore best practices that contribute to enhancing family wellbeing and working to establish strategic partnerships that enhance the sustainability of family wellbeing and social development. We look forward to the conference having a positive impact on societies around the world.”

“Through our partnership with the MSDF, we aim to translate research and policies related to the family into tangible reality, by highlighting pressing issues facing Qatari families. We also work to exchange expertise that contributes to building solid institutional capabilities supporting the sustainability of family wellbeing. These joint efforts are essential to achieving positive and sustainable impact on communities in Qatar and beyond.”

The 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends will be held from October 30 to 31 at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).  Organised by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) with the Ministry of Social Development and Family as a strategic partner, it will bring together experts, policymakers and thought leaders from around the world.

More than 2,000 delegates – including policymakers, researchers, family practitioners, parents, and young people – will gather at the conference as it focuses on four major megatrends affecting families across the world: technological change, demographic change, migration and urbanisation, and climate change.