Abu Dhabi:TRENDS Observatory, a part of TRENDS Group, is set to open its inaugural annual conference titled 'The Family at the Heart of Social Transformations' on Thursday at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. This event aims to delve into the current state of family-related research and policies, exploring significant social transformations and challenges. It will also seek to identify gaps in research and data, aiming to enhance the integration of research, data, and decision-making processes. The conference will gather policymakers, researchers, data providers, implementing entities, and community representatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference and its accompanying exhibition will be inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, along with Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; and Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. These dignitaries, along with several senior officials and representatives of entities concerned with family affairs and community development, will deliver the keynote addresses.
The exhibition accompanying the conference will display a broad array of knowledge products and services from TRENDS Group's five companies. These include consultancy and training services, surveys, social studies, specialized scientific publications, foresight research, and the latest questionnaires and indicators. Additionally, a series of interactive youth workshops will be featured.
The conference and exhibition are organized in cooperation and strategic partnership with institutions such as United Arab Emirates University, the University of Sharjah, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the Federal Youth Authority, Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi, and the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi. Media partners include the National Media Authority, the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Abu Dhabi Media Network, Sharjah 24, and Gulf News.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Chairman of TRENDS Group, highlighted the rapid social transformations families face today, affecting marriage and fertility patterns, family formation and structure, and the balance between professional demands and family caregiving responsibilities. He pointed out emerging challenges related to mental health, the quality of family relationships, and the impact of digital transformations on communication and intergenerational bonds.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasized the importance of social policies, research, and data keeping pace with these transformations to promote family stability and well-being. These topics will be central to the discussions at the conference.
Sultan Majed, General Manager of TRENDS Observatory, announced that the conference will include four panel discussions 'Family Formation and Changing Family Structures'; 'Work, Care, and Family Balance'; 'Mental Health and Family Cohesion'; and 'Family and Education Adapting to Social Transformation'.