About EGM Australia

The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), are organizing an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on “The Intertwined Impact of Technological Transformation and Climate Change on Families in Oceania: Navigating the Policy Response”, which will be held in Brisbane, Australia, 30-31 May 2023. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in preparing for the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30), aiming to analyze the impact of global megatrends, focusing on technology and climate change on familial dynamics in Oceania region, with the emphasis of exploring the policy implications.

The EGM is being organized and co-hosted with the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), The University of Queensland. ISSR is one of Australia’s foremost leaders in equity and sustainable futures, undertaking solution-focused social science research and evaluation to achieve positive social impact in a changing environment.

Background

DIFI with the support from DESA is at the forefront of international efforts to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30). This global initiative culminates in the IYF+30 Conference in Doha, scheduled for October 29-31, 2024.

This EGM is building upon the IYF+30 preparatory regional EGMs focused on Arab, African, Asian and Latin American families, organized by DIFI, DESA, and the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD).

Objectives

The Oceania EGM seeks to explore the complex relationship between technological advancements, climate change, and family structures in Oceania. By gathering esteemed regional experts and practitioners, the meeting aims to generate insightful recommendations to inform policies that promote holistic well-being amidst emerging megatrends, focusing on technology and climate change.

Thematic background

In June 2020, an EGM organized by the Focal Point on the Family, UNDESA identified four key mega-trends impacting families in the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30). These trends are:

Technological Changes: Advancements in technology impact families in diverse ways. Fertility and assistive reproductive technologies are changing family formation, while increased telecommuting due to the pandemic has redefined learning, work, and family dynamics, with potential long-term effects on roles and responsibilities.

Demographic Trends: Family structures are evolving globally. While couples with children still represent the majority of households, single-female-headed households are increasing. Age of marriage rises, and child marriage remains a challenge. Additionally, aging populations and declining fertility rates present challenges for families and economies.

Migration and Urbanization: Migration, often driven by the desire to improve family well-being, necessitates addressing factors like access to well-paid jobs, food, healthcare, and education. Urbanization, as a social process, redefines family roles, responsibilities, and structures, impacting domestic dynamics, location choices, and work arrangements.

Climate Change: Climate change presents multifaceted challenges for families. Droughts, floods, and extreme weather events negatively impact food security and displace families due to resource scarcity and humanitarian crises. This results in lack of adequate shelter, food, and education, particularly for children.

These identified trends highlight the need for comprehensive and multifaceted approaches to address the evolving challenges impacting families across the globe.

EGM Thematic Focus

The Brisbane Expert Group Meeting will center around the megatrends of technology and climate change, exploring its profound impact on family and community dynamics, interlinkages between the megatrends, and policy responses.

It recognizes the place of the family within a socio-ecological conceptualization, capturing the influence of the individual, the family, community, and structural and environment contexts on people’s lives. It also recognizes that some groups within society are more impacted than others and seeks to challenge entrenched and intergenerational disadvantage.

Sessions:

Empowering Families and Communities in a Changing World

This plenary session will set the scene for the EGM and explore the unique interlinkages between family, communities, technology, and climate change within the specific context of the region. It will examine current evidence, knowledge gaps, and start to frame potential solutions for how technology can bridge digital divides within families and communities, while also empowering climate action.

The findings and recommendations from the expert group meeting will be reflected in the upcoming report of the Secretary-General to the 79th session of the General Assembly on the preparations for and observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family.

Focused Sessions:

Four focused sessions will consider the themes in more depth, with short presentations and facilitated discussion across the course of the EGM.

• Digital Identities and Divides: Bridging Gaps This session explores digital identities, inclusion and exclusion, and how technology both unites and divides families, addressing issues such as access, screen time, and digital parenting, along with how digital divides within society and across cultures might be broken down.
• Digital Literacy, AI & the Future: Navigating the Landscape for Families and Communities This session examines the centrality of media and digital literacy to families and communities and the intersection of AI and society, through ethical considerations of artificial intelligence, privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, the impact of advertising on digital media platforms on communities and cultures.
• Raising Climate Warriors: Cultivating Eco-Conscious Families & Communities This session will explore the practical tools families can adopt for sustainable behaviors in their daily lives, focusing on green parenting, eco-anxiety management, community action, and intergenerational climate education, as well as system-level levers for change.
• Climate Change & Vulnerabilities: Building Resilience Together This session looks at the prioritization of the specific needs and challenges faced by families and communities most vulnerable to climate change, with a focus on place and intersectionality, compounding crises, and opportunities to innovate change across system levels.

A Sustainable Future? Preparing Policy Responses to Technological and Climate Changes

This final session will promote dialogue for participants to share experiences, best practices, and challenges related to climate change, technology, and their impact on families and communities in the region to set forth an agenda for the creation of a sustainable future. Key topics will be:

• Expert reflections on the EGM plenary and focused session discussions.
• Best practices for fostering systemic change to build resilience and well-being in families and communities facing these challenges.
• Collaboration strategies and concrete policy recommendations and responses for advocacy efforts with a regional perspective.

Structure

Governance and Flow:

• The first session will be in a plenary format, to set the scene for the EGM, with four 15-minute presentations.
• This will be followed by four focused discussion sessions, which will start with two introductory presentations (15-minutes each) to frame questions for the following discussion, followed by an open panel discussion with all participants.
• There will be two recommendations sessions, which will be in an open dialogue format and moderated to draw together diverse perspectives and concrete policy recommendations.

Moderation: Designated moderators will oversee sessions, guiding group discussions and ensuring active participation from all attendees. Rapporteurs will summarise key points and compile recommendations generated during sessions.

Interactive Approach: primary methods of engagement, fostering dynamic exchanges of ideas and perspectives among participants. The meeting aims to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere conducive to open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Outcomes

In carrying out their commitments under Article 4, paragraph 1 (i), the Parties shall: (a) Promote and facilitate at the national and, as appropriate, subregional and region

• Participating experts will prepare 15-minutes presentations as per abstracts submitted. Presentations should include current evidence, knowledge gaps, and frame questions for the discussions that follow (relevant examples of presentations can be found on the following link: https://www.un.org/development/desa/family/meetings-events/impact-of-covid-19.html
• Participating experts are invited to submit written papers, ranging from 3 to 7 pages in length, post event. These papers can delve into pertinent issues outlined and offer insightful policy recommendations. Expert papers will thoroughly address agenda topics, elucidating their significance, backed by both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Written papers should be submitted to XXX by XXX (relevant examples of papers can be found on the following link: https://www.un.org/development/desa/family/meetings-events/impact-of-covid-19.html
• Following the EGM, DESA will compile a comprehensive report summarizing discussions and presenting policy recommendations.
• Both the report and the experts’ presentations and papers will be made publicly available on the DESA website, fostering transparency and wider dissemination of insights.
• Relevant outcomes will be used in the upcoming report of the Secretary-General on IYF+30.

Logistical Details

Venue: The meeting is scheduled to take place in-person at UQ Brisbane City, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD, from 30th to 31st May 2024.

Attendance: Attendance is primarily in-person, but hybrid online facilities will be provided for some participants.

Recording and photography: Sessions will be recorded to support preparation of the EGM report; CHECK PHOTOGRAPHY.

Language: English will serve as the official working language of the meeting.

Travel and Accommodation: DIFI (Doha International Family Institute) are covering expenses related to travel, accommodation, and local transportation for participating experts. Travel and accommodation queries should be submitted to Ghazal Othman gothman@qf.org.qa.

Catering: Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided to in-person participants on 30 and 31 May; tea, coffee and water will be available throughout both days. An Expert Group Meeting Dinner at Patina, Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane, will be held on Thursday 30 May for those attending (dinner attendance and dietary requirements must be confirmed by 22 May).

About EGM New York

The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is organizing an expert group meeting on “Families and Climate Change” to be held in New York on 15-16 May 2024.

TIn line with General Assembly resolutions recommending research and analysis of megatrends, this meeting will explore.

• Climate change and its impact on families.
• The role of families in climate action.
• Indigenous perspectives on climate change and sustainable family farming.
• The interlinkages between climate change and demographic trends, forced migration and displacement, sustainable urbanization, and new technologies.

Families’ vulnerability to climate change is manifested in the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, often leading to displacement, property damage, and loss of livelihoods. Food and water scarcity affects agricultural productivity and water availability, and thus families’ ability to access food and clean water. Changing climate patterns also influence the spread of diseases and exacerbate respiratory conditions, placing additional burdens on families’ healthcare needs.

Moreover, families often rely on industries that are sensitive to climate impacts, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Changes in these sectors can have economic implications for families’ income and stability.

Concept note

The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is organizing an expert group meeting on “Families and Climate Change” to be held in New York on 15-16 May 2024.

In line with General Assembly resolutions recommending research and analysis of megatrends, this meeting will explore: (1) climate change and its impact on families; (2) the role of families in climate action; (3) Indigenous perspectives on climate change and sustainable family farming; and (4) the interlinkages between climate change and demographic trends, forced migration and displacement, sustainable urbanization and new technologies.

Climate change and its impact on families

Families’ vulnerability to climate change is manifested in the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods and wildfires, often leading to displacement, property damage and loss of livelihoods. Food and water scarcity affects agricultural productivity and water availability, and thus families’ ability to access food and clean water. Changing climate patterns also influence the spread of diseases and exacerbate respiratory conditions, placing additional burdens on families’ healthcare needs. Moreover, families often rely on industries that are sensitive to climate impacts, such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Changes in these sectors can have economic implications for families’ income and stability.

Despite such impacts, there is a limited focus on how we can approach climate change from a family perspective. There is also insufficient research on how family- oriented policies can contribute to climate action and what families themselves can do to help with the achievement of specific targets under relevant Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG13 focusing on climate action as well as other goals intersecting with SDG13, such as poverty and hunger reduction, health and well-being, education, climate-induced migration and sustainable urbanization.

Most approaches and investments in climate change focus on advanced technologies, such as electrical or carbon neutral cars and devices, but there is little focus on the role of families and community power and of the centrality of the home amidst societal shifts in the economy, mobility, infrastructure and livelihoods.

Although families are key in addressing climate change through their actions and consumer choices, a family perspective is mostly overlooked in broader initiatives. Sustainable lifestyles can be nurtured in families, and thus it is important to empower families to play an effective role in the global response to combat climate change.

Notably, families play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability through education and instilling good habits and values that contribute to a greener lifestyle. By teaching children about energy conservation and responsible consumption, families can encourage mindful, energy-efficient practices. Emphasizing the importance of reusing and recycling materials within the household fosters a culture of waste reduction and resource conservation.

Furthermore, families can exemplify the practice of “voting with your wallet” by making environmentally conscious purchasing decisions and supporting eco-friendly products and businesses that prioritize sustainability. 1 Through education and modelling environmentally friendly behaviours, families not only reduce their ecological footprint but also empower future generations to become informed and proactive stewards of the planet.

Moreover, families play a pivotal role in advocating for climate solutions. By participating in local environmental groups or community-based initiatives, families can amplify their voices and mobilize collective action toward sustainable practices and policies. Additionally, parents can actively engage with schools to ensure comprehensive environmental education, advocating for curriculum integration and extracurricular activities that foster eco-consciousness among students. Encouraging discussions on climate change and sustainability within households can empower children to become agents of change in their communities. Through these efforts, families not only contribute to raising awareness but also inspire broader societal shifts towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.

Indigenous perspectives on climate change and sustainable family farming

Recognizing and incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into climate change discourse and policymaking is essential for fostering resilience, promoting biodiversity and conservation, advancing climate justice and reversing the damage of fossil-fuel based modes of production and consumption. Valuing, respecting and learning from the cultures of Indigenous Peoples deserves to be an integral part of climate action and strategy.

Family farming is estimated to account for approximately 80 per cent of farms worldwide, highlighting the overwhelming prevalence of family farming in global agriculture. Family farms vary widely in size, scale and production methods, but they collectively play a crucial role in feeding populations, supporting rural livelihoods and sustaining agricultural ecosystems. As the role of family farming in food sustainability is not sufficiently recognized or supported, the UN established a Decade for Family Farming (2019-2028) to draw attention of the role of family farming in overall sustainability efforts. It aims, inter alia, to highlight the importance of family farmers in food security, livelihoods, natural resource management and environmental protection and to identify priority policies to support family farmers and agricultural development worldwide.

Sustainable family farming is a crucial component of global food systems, contributing to food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. 2 By prioritizing agroecological principles, sustainable family farms can mitigate the impacts of climate variability while promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health. 3 Furthermore, the integration of traditional knowledge and Indigenous practices into sustainable farming approaches enhances adaptive capacity and fosters resilience within farming communities. However, challenges such as access to resources, market dynamics and policy support remain barriers to scaling up sustainable farming practices and ensuring their long-term viability. Addressing these challenges will require multi-stakeholder collaboration, supportive policies and agricultural research to empower family farmers and enhance sustainable development.4

Interlinkages between climate change and other megatrends

Climate change is closely linked to other megatrends analysed as part of the preparations for IYF+30. High fertility rates in certain regions can be seen as posing challenges to sustainability, but the countries contributing most to unsustainable patterns of production and consumption are mostly those with high per capita incomes and low fertility, not those growing rapidly with low per capita incomes.5 High fertility rates in regions of the global South correlate with lower levels of educational attainment and economic development 6; hindering efforts to implement sustainable practices and technologies. However, it is essential to approach this issue holistically, considering cultural, socioeconomic and policy factors. By empowering individuals with access to education, health care, and family planning information and services, countries can achieve population stabilization.

On the other hand, emerging research demonstrates that there exists a climate-change induced anxiety in family formation among young people. This trend has been occurring in Europe and to the lesser degree in the rest of the Global North. A recent extensive study published by The Lancet found that 40 per cent of Generation Z individuals (born between 1996 and 2009) worldwide are hesitant to have children due to concerns about the climate crisis. Similar sentiments have been echoed in surveys of millennials (born between 1981 and 1995). 7

Forced migration and dislocation are common outcomes of adverse climate events, such as droughts, floods and land degradation. These events often lead to the displacement of vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing social and economic challenges. Climate- induced migration disrupts livelihoods, strains resources and triggers conflicts over limited resources.8 It has also been linked to increased health risks, such as vector-borne illnesses spreading through contaminated water supplies. In this context, disaster risk reduction and sustainable urbanization strategies are key to mitigate the drivers of forced migration.

Sustainable urbanization is a challenge as cities face the severity of extreme climate events.9 Adaptation and mitigation strategies in tandem with sustainable management are essential to achieve sustainable urbanization. Adopting nature-based solution mimicking natural ecosystems to increase climate resilience and incorporating green building standards and green spaces into designs of smart cities can improve air quality, biodiversity and the overall well-being of city dwellers.10

New technologies hold immense potential in both preventing and mitigating climate change across various sectors. In energy production, advancements in renewable energy sources are leading to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 11 Smart grids and energy storage systems lead to efficient energy usage and reduction of waste.12 Additionally, advancements in carbon capture and utilization technologies enable the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of past emissions.13 Agency at the industry and corporation levels is key, but government oversight and policies are also necessary. Moreover, digital technologies enabling working from home contribute to the reduction in transportation to and from workplaces, thus reducing air pollution and traffic congestion.

Despite many linkages between climate change and other megatrends, policy responses have been fragmented and do not address current linkages in a systematic way. The EGM will address the potential of family-centred approaches to tackle the above- mentioned linkages in an effective and sustainable way and highlight good practices in some areas.

Purpose of the meeting

The primary objective of the meeting is to bring together experts to discuss and explore the issues noted above. The conclusions and recommendations of the meeting will provide Member States and other stakeholders with expert analysis regarding several issues related to family policy developments in the context of megatrends.

The findings and recommendations from the expert group meeting will be reflected in the upcoming report of the Secretary-General to the 79th session of the General Assembly on the preparations for and observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family.

Methodology

Experts are asked to provide a paper, make a short presentation, participate in group discussions and give their expert opinions and policy recommendations on family policy development, monitoring and implementation in the areas mentioned above. The experts are also expected to provide specific examples of good practices on topics under discussion and to offer detailed recommendations on the further development of policies, programmes and strategies to support families in the areas noted above.

Outcomes

• Background papers (5-7 pages, single-spaced, excluding references, figures, and statistical tables) prepared by each expert on issues in the annotated agenda and including policy recommendations.
• Report of the meeting containing a summary of the discussion and policy recommendations, prepared by DISD/DESA.

Papers by experts will cover issues identified in the agenda, explain their relevance, provide quantitative and qualitative evidence, analyse the roles of social institutions, give examples of good practices, and offer conclusions and recommendations. The report and experts’ papers will be posted on the website of the DISD/DESA.

Organizational matters

The in-person meeting, with possible online participation of some experts and observers, will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 15-16 May 2024 from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm (EDT, i.e., “summer time” in NYC).

Experts will include academics from fields covering various aspects of climate change, family policy, new technologies, migration, urbanization, demographic trends and other related issues. Experts from various regions will participate in the meeting in their personal capacities. Each expert is required to provide a short presentation based on his/her written paper (not exceeding 15 minutes). The presenters should submit their papers to the UN Secretariat by 1 May 2024.

The participants will meet in several working sessions.

• Each session will have brief introductory remarks or (a) presentation(s) by (an) expert(s), which will introduce the topic and provide context for the ensuing discussion (use of PowerPoint is encouraged but not required).
• A moderator for each session will lead the group discussion and be responsible for a summary and compiling the recommendations from that session.
• Discussions and brainstorming will be the preferred method of work and no formal conference-style presentations are envisioned.
• The working language of the meeting will be English, and there will be no interpretation provided. All submissions should be made available to the Secretariat in English.

Article 6 of the FCCC

In carrying out their commitments under Article 4, paragraph 1 (i), the Parties shall: (a) Promote and facilitate at the national and, as appropriate, subregional and region

1. The development and implementation of educational and public awareness programmes on climate change and its effects;
2. Public access to information on climate change and its effects;
3. Public participation in addressing climate change and its effects and developing adequate responses; and
4. Training of scientific, technical and managerial personnel;
5. Cooperate in and promote, at the international level, and, where appropriate, using existing bodies:
6. The development and exchange of educational and public awareness material on climate change and its effects; and
7. The development and implementation of education and training programmes, including the strengthening of national institutions and the exchange or secondment of personnel to train experts in this field, in particular for developing countries.

Article 12 of the Paris Agreement

Parties shall cooperate in taking measures, as appropriate, to enhance climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information, recognizing the importance of these steps with respect to enhancing actions under this Agreement.

Introduction

The interlinkages between migration, urbanization, climate change and technological and demographic trends were raised at an event organized by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) a member of Qatar Foundation during the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The meeting highlighted the New Urban Agenda and explored ways to achieve inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, and envisaged several outcomes including underlining the impact of migration on transforming family structures and analyzing strategies for optimizing the benefits of technology while minimizing its drawbacks on family relationships. They also discussed the policy lessons learned from Asia that can be applied globally, and the potential contributions of global experiences to the Asian context, interlinkages between migration, urbanization, new technologies, and climate change, said the statement issued by Qatar Foundation.

The event was held in partnership with the National Population and Family Development (LPPKN), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD), the statement continued. Director General of the National Population and Family Development Board Abdul Shukur Abdullah began the event by discussing families and megatrends, and the importance of understanding a rapidly and ever-changing world. “The four megatrends require proactive responses that create opportunities and challenges to shape our present and future,” Abdullah said. “The Expert Group Meeting provides excellent opportunities for us to take the necessary measures to tackle the remaining and emerging challenges towards achieving the New Urban Agenda. Malaysia is honored to be part of this program and we hope this fruitful collaboration will continue for many years as we unite in pursuit of common goals,” he added. Director of the Family Research and Policy Department at DIFI Dr. Khalid Al-Naama said, “The profound interaction between the megatrends, and the fixed family ties, constitutes a landscape of interconnected forces.” “As individuals migrate, cities develop, technology advances and demographics shift, families stand at the heart of these transformations,” he added. Speaking about families in Asia, Director of Communication and International Relations at IFFD Ignacio Socias said that they are facing a dynamic landscape shaped by the four megatrends globally that are being studied for the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF). “Demographic trends influence family structures and sizes, impacting social dynamics and resource allocation. The rapid integration of new technologies transforms daily life, altering communication patterns and access to information,” he said. “Migration patterns often lead to separated families, challenging traditional support systems and cultural norms. Urbanization brings opportunities and challenges, reshaping living environments and family lifestyles affecting the well-being of Asian families.” Focal Point of the Family at the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of UNDESA Renata Kaczmarska said, “As we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the IYF in 2024, we have been focusing on the impact of megatrends on families at regional levels. The Expert Group Meeting held in Malaysia has contributed to the understanding of the impact of megatrends on families, especially in terms of fertility and family formation in the region.” “The importance of investing in parenting education assisted by new technologies has been highlighted as needing cooperation between Government agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector in overall family policy development and implementation,” she concluded. (QNA)

Introduction

Doha, Qatar, 28 October 2023: Major family formation trends in Latin America, as well as issues impacting recent family policy developments in the context of megatrends including fertility, mortality, and family dynamics, were highlighted at an event organized by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) – a member of Qatar Foundation – during the Expert Group Meeting event held in Mexico City, Mexico.

Under the theme ‘Megatrends and Families: Focus on Demographic changes in Latin America’, the event was in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024 (IYF+30) and was held in partnership with the Institute for Family Policy Analysis (IAPF), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD).

Other topics addressed during the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) event included early childhood, parenting education, positive parenting, recognition of unpaid work and shared responsibility at home, youth transitions and labor inclusion, and the interlinkages between demographic trends, migration, and urbanization in contemporary Latin America.

Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI, highlighted the importance of addressing the overarching trends and their implications on family policies globally, in preparation for the commemoration of the IYF+30 conference. “DIFI has played a crucial role in pushing for policy changes to support families not only in our region but worldwide, through actively engaging to generate evidence as well as nudging for policy change to support and empower families”.

Speaking on the preparations for IYF+30, Renata Kaczmarska, Focal Point of the Family at the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of UNDESA, said: “Responsive policies and programs that strengthen and support families help to reduce challenges brought about by demographic shifts. “Only a coordinated response will help to achieve stronger relationships and intergenerational solidarity within families and societies. The EGM is to analyze current demographic trends in the region and offer recommendations on the best ways to promote the wellbeing of families in Latin America in light of rapid demographic shifts.

Ignacio Socias, Director of Communication and International Relations at IFFD, said: “We are organizing this Latin American expert meeting because, in a region marked by diverse socio-economic disparities and a history of familial structures, robust family policies adapted to the present situation should play a pivotal role in promoting social cohesion and human development, not only as a means to empower individuals and families but also as a path towards achieving greater social equity and progress.”

Juan Antonio López Baljarg, Institute for Family Policy Analysis, stated: “The meeting of the Group of Experts “Megatrends and Families: Focus on demographic changes in Latin America” is a space to study the demographic changes that occur in this region in order to contribute to the objectives of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of Family.”

Recommendations for future action including the importance of conducting more research on the demographic impact on family wellbeing to build a strong local infrastructure that supports urban families in Latin America, and developing, monitoring and implementation policy suggestions and interventions across areas such as fertility, mortality and family dynamics, early childhood, parenting education and positive parenting, youth transitions, labor inclusion and international migration.

Introduction

The impact of socio-economic and demographic transformation in Africa and its effect on family well-being were topics of discussion at an event organised by the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024 (IYF+30).

The three-day Expert Group Meeting (EGM), held in Pretoria, South Africa, in partnership with the University of Pretoria, the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) under the theme ‘Demographic Changes and Family Wellbeing in Africa’, saw experts’ discussions around the impact of demographic changes on family wellbeing in Africa.

They also addressed the major family formation trends in Africa and how these changes affected family wellbeing, the role of technology in these changes and its impact on digital parenting, the challenges and opportunities presented by social protection policy frameworks towards supporting elderly care in the region, the interlinkages between demographic trends, migration and urbanisation in contemporary Africa, and the major lessons learned in developing and implementing national and regional family policies.

Dr Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, executive director of DIFI, highlighted the importance of focusing on family wellbeing through a comprehensive approach, which DIFI, a member of Qatar Foundation, is tackling through policy-research and mobilisation.

She emphasised the importance of focusing on family wellbeing with holistic approaches, stressing that DIFI works to enhance family wellbeing and supports the making and development of policies related to research, scientific evidence and multiple advocacy efforts.

She also noted that demographic changes, accompanied by the shrinkage of traditional interactions between nuclear and extended families because of urbanisation and the fragility of related policies, as well as declining fertility rates and other demographic challenges, mean structural treatments and policy and programme support is required based on knowledge basis.

Speaking about the preparations for the IYF+30, Renata Kaczmarska, Focal Point of the Family at the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the UN DESA, highlighted the importance of EGM recommendations to enrich the periodic UN Secretary General’s report on the family.

Ignacio Socias, director of Communication and International Relations at IFFD, outlined the importance of international programmes that support national development agendas “including the voice of parents and families in the discussion for better and holistic policy design, implementation and evaluation is extremely important.”

Professor Zitha Mokomane, professor at the Department of Sociology at the University of Pretoria, stressed that “while the important role of the family in society has been recognised everywhere in the world, it also needs to be substantiated through comprehensive family policies.”

Representative of the African Union Commission on Social Affairs Lefhoko Kesamang pointed out the need to develop Management Information Systems on the African Family for better data collection on family interventions at the regional level.