Sharjah:The Sharjah Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will organize the ICESCO Regional Family Forum 2026 on October 28 and 29. The forum will be held under the theme 'The family… a balance that shapes the future'.
According to Wam, the forum will gather leading policymakers, experts, academics, researchers, representatives of government institutions and regional and international organizations, media professionals, young people, and families. It aims to provide a regional platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and exploring the future of the family amid rapid social and digital transformations.
The forum is set to examine contemporary challenges facing families and explore practical, innovative solutions to enhance family stability, improve quality of life, and reinforce the family's role in building cohesive and sustainable societies. Discussions will cover five main themes family in the context of digital transformation and future foresight; national identity and cultural values; family quality of life and community wellbeing; the family as a partner in development and sustainability; and education, knowledge, and capacity-building for the future.
Distinguished regional and international figures and specialists will feature in the programme. It includes specialised research papers linking academic findings with practical community applications. Among these is a paper titled 'Women at the heart of family balance What does research tell us, and how can knowledge be translated into impact?', presented by Dr. Noura Al Kerbi in collaboration with University of Sharjah student Saud Al Shaibani. Professor Dr. Faker Al Gharaybeh will present a paper on emerging global trends in family studies.
The forum will also include a field study examining social media networks and value orientations among young people in the UAE, presented by Dr. Mastour Rahim and Dr. Waseela Yaeesh of Al Dhaid University. This study will explore the impact of the digital environment on cultural identity and how younger generations negotiate values.
A series of practical and interactive workshops will equip participants with tools to strengthen family relationships and improve wellbeing. Highlights include 'The journey towards building a balanced family From self-awareness to family quality of life', led by Moza Saif Al Shehhi, and 'Supporting parenting during early childhood', presented by Jameela Al Breiki. Abdullah Al Shrehhan will lead 'The smart family studio Create an animated story using artificial intelligence', and another workshop, 'The family battery at 20% How do we recharge the home?', presented by Al Jawhara and Linda from NAMA Women Advancement, will examine ways to renew positive communication and restore balance within the family.
Supported by an extensive network of institutional partners working across family affairs and community development, the forum aims to produce strategic recommendations, actionable community initiatives, expand institutional partnerships, support specialised family research, and develop training and awareness programmes to help families address challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.