This event brought together a panel of distinguished experts to discuss the development and implementation of relevant family-oriented policies and programs and discuss good practices to support the objectives of the IYF. Speakers considered the current state of family-oriented policies through the lens of their particular expertise with an eye to highlighting points of progress during the last three decades as well as identifying current areas of greatest concern.
Speakers:
Dr. Ahmed Aref, Doha International Family Institute (Member of Qatar Foundation)
Theresa Okafor, Ph.D., Director of the Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH)
A video of the full discussion is available here.
Background
In December of 1989, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) announced that 1994 would be proclaimed “The International Year of the Family (IYF)”. To further the focus on families, the UNGA also proclaimed that the International Day of Families would be observed annually on May 15. Looking back over three decades provides a momentous opportunity to discuss how to continue promoting a greater awareness of the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society (A/RES/44/82 at OP2) among governments, policymakers, and the public.
In this regard, during its 79th Session the UNGA adopted the resolution: “Observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024” (A/RES/79/150), which gives civil society and non-governmental organizations a crucial role to play. Among other provisions, in paragraphs 34 and 37, the resolution:
- Encouraged Member States to strengthen cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including UN entities, civil society, academic institutions, and the private sector in the develop and implementation of relevant family-oriented policies and programmes; and
- Called upon Member States and UN bodies, in consultation with civil society and other stakeholders, to continue provide information on good practices at the national, regional, and international levels in support of the objectives of the IYF and its follow-up processes
