A NEW OPPORTUNITY IN 2004

Many modern social ills can be traced to one root cause: the disintegration of the family. Marital and familial instability worldwide is reaching epic proportions. That instability now exerts a devastating effect on social health, including increased poverty, crime, illiteracy, drug abuse, social injustice, and disease.  Current research highlights the serious economic and societal costs associated with the breakdown of the family. Throughout history, successful civilizations have been built upon the foundation of a stable, caring family in which children are nurtured and protected by a mother and a father united in marriage and devoted to the best interests of their children. Resilient, healthy families have proven time and again that the family is the necessary foundation for social strength and economic prosperity.

2004 was the tenth anniversary of the first International Year of the Family. That year prompted serious discussion of controversial proposals to alter family life. Without a strong and vigorous reassertion of the values that have supported every healthy society since the beginning of time, continued rapid social decline is inevitable. 2004 provided us with a vitally needed opportunity to evaluate current trends, make proposals for positive change, and refocus attention on the family’s vital role in maintaining healthy societies.

The Doha International Conference for the Family highlighted and collected the family-related efforts of governments, academicians, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and members of civil society during a year-long series of events. The Doha International Conference for the Family encouraged — and a broad range of partners cooperated to organize — family conferences as well as NGO, community, and neighborhood discussions around the globe. These discussions channeled reports, recommendations, and findings from these events to the main international conference in Doha, Qatar.