Family policies in Arab region, global best practices discussed

Doha, Qatar: The 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends yesterday, on its second da...

Doha, Qatar: The 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends yesterday, on its second day, discussed the challenges facing families in different sessions, including the ‘High-Level Ministerial Session: Arab Family Policies in Comparison to International Best Practice, organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family.

The panel discussed family policies in the Arab region in comparison to international family policies, showcasing best practices and identifying challenges and solutions to the most pertinent issues.

Panellists included Iran’s Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs H E Zahra Behrouz Azar; Mauritania’s Minister of Social Work, Childhood and Family H E Svfia Mint N’tahah; Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia H E Narek Mkrtchyan; Minister for Social Development Palestinian Authority H E Samah Hamad; and Libya’s Minister of Social Affairs Wafaa Al Kilani.  The session was moderator by Assistant Secretary General, and Head of Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab Sates H E Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh.

Zahra Behrouz Azar, said: “The family, despite the diversity and difference of cultures, constitutes the nucleus and the pillar of society. It is the backbone of development and progress, and remains a safe haven in the face of life’s challenges.”

“Today, the family faces profound global challenges, in particular because of the transformations to the structure of society, immigration, and demographic and economic changes caused by technology. These have a significant impact on the family structure, requiring the development of plans to reduce their negative effects, the adoption of economic, social, and cultural support policies, and improving laws and regulations that boost the situation of families.