Abu Dhabi:The TRENDS Observatory's 1st Annual Conference, themed "The Family in the Era of Social Transformation," took place on Thursday in Abu Dhabi. Inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the conference issued recommendations to bolster family stability and develop policies that address evolving family needs.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference emphasized promoting a work-family balance, encouraging flexible workplaces, enhancing mental health initiatives, and providing psychological and social support to families. It also gathered over 25 academics, researchers, and officials who highlighted the importance of reinforcing national identity and fostering intergenerational dialogue amid digital changes.
Participants called for strengthened partnerships between families and educational institutions to support future generations' upbringing. They advocated for expanding research and data usage to create evidence-based family policies and assess their effectiveness. The conference underscored that family stability and cohesion require comprehensive research and community collaboration, as these efforts are investments in society's future.
The event was organized in strategic partnership with several institutions, including United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and others. Media partners included the National Media Authority and Emirates News Agency (WAM), among others.
On the sidelines, TRENDS Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Fatima Bint Mubarak Center for Motherhood and Childhood Research. This partnership aims to enhance specialized research cooperation, particularly in applied research on motherhood and childhood, providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers.
The conference featured three panel discussions on work-family balance, mental health and family cohesion, and adapting education to social transformation, engaging a wide array of stakeholders in the conversation.