By Israeli Fire

Copyright qna

Geneva, September 26 (QNA) – The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in cooperation with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), organized a side event titled “Family First: A Foundation for Social Development,” on the sidelines of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The event was attended by more than 71 participants representing diplomatic missions in Geneva, international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations concerned with family and social development issues.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah stated in a speech that the event is being held at a pivotal moment as the world faces increasing challenges, noting that its aim is to highlight the central role of the family in driving social development.

Her Excellency affirmed that families around the world continue to face serious challenges, including poverty, limited access to productive and decent employment, social exclusion, and the need for protection during armed conflicts.

In this context, she pointed out that more than 7,320 families in the Gaza Strip have been completely wiped out or reduced to one or two surviving members as a result of the genocide crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power.

Her Excellency stressed that addressing these challenges is essential to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development for all, noting that the progress made since the first World Summit for Social Development still requires further efforts to strengthen support and empowerment of families globally.

Her Excellency referred to the launch by the State of Qatar in June 2025 of the Social Development and Family’s Strategy for 2025-2030 under the slogan “From Care to Empowerment,” which embodies its firm commitment to enhancing social cohesion through a comprehensive approach that responds to the actual needs of society.

She explained that this strategy places families at the heart of national development, recognizing them as a pillar of stability, identity, and resilience, and represents a qualitative leap in Qatar’s social development efforts by addressing both current priorities and future aspirations.

Her Excellency noted that governments, civil society, and international organizations have a fundamental role in this field, calling for the strengthening of family-supportive policies, enhancing social protection, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and developing inclusive labor markets as practical steps to empower families and help them thrive. (QNA)