Welcome Message

Welcome to the third issue of our newsletter for the Doha International Conference to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, which will be held on 16–17 April 2014.

The theme of the conference, “Empowering Families: A Pathway to Development” highlights the contribution of families to the overall development of societies. In the plenary session of day 2 of the conference, we will discuss how to anchor the family in the post-2015 agenda, and will stress that development targets, especially those relating to education and health, are difficult to attain unless the strategies to achieve them are family-focused.

We also anticipate having an animated discussion on day 2 of the conference regarding two overlapping sessions: ‘Men in Families’ and ‘Families and Gender Equality’. No discussion about the family is complete without a discussion on the roles, responsibilities, and contribution that men and women make to families. You do not want to miss this discussion!

I invite you to check out our conference website for more information on the session topics and distinguished speakers.

See you soon in Doha.

Noor Al Malki Al Jehani
Executive Director DIFI
Conference Committee Chairperson

Conference Agenda (Day 2)

The 2014 Doha International Conference is an international gathering that provides guidance and recommendations to institutions at all levels and seeks to influence family policies with evidence-based research regarding many issues. On day 2 of the conference, participants will reflect on how family policy development can be promoted within the discussions of the post-2015 development agenda. The day 2 sessions will represent high quality dialogue that will include significant topics such as ‘Family and Gender Equality’, ‘Men in Families’, ‘Family Data and Research’, ‘National Institutions and Family Policy’, and ‘Family and Civil Society’.

Speakers

About DIFI

Acknowledging the importance of the family in society, Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), formerly known as Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development, was established in 2006 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. The mandate of the Institute is based upon the affirmations set forth in the Doha Declaration on the Family, which was the outcome of the Doha International Conference on the Family.

The Institute has a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

DIFI’s vision is to be recognized as a global knowledge leader on issues facing the Arab family through research, policy, and outreach. Its mission is to support the aims of the 2004 Doha Declaration on the Family.