ICESCO to Host 2026 Regional Family Forum in Sharjah
Under the distinguished patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation convenes a landmark gathering to explore the future of family life in an era of digital transformation.
Sharjah will host the ICESCO Regional Family Forum 2026, a prestigious gathering that brings together policymakers, academics, researchers, and family representatives from across the region to examine contemporary challenges and opportunities facing modern families.
Held under the gracious patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, the forum takes place on 28th and 29th October at the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah. The event unfolds under the inspiring theme “Family… A Balance That Builds the Future”, reflecting a commitment to fostering dialogue on how families can navigate the profound social and technological transformations reshaping contemporary life.
This two-day forum serves as a distinguished platform for high-level discourse, bringing together government representatives, international organisations, media professionals, and youth to explore practical and innovative solutions that enhance family stability whilst preserving cultural identity and national values. The gathering aims to empower families with the awareness and understanding necessary to navigate digital change with thoughtfulness and equilibrium.
The forum’s comprehensive agenda encompasses five central themes: digital transformation and future-foresight; national identity and cultural values; family quality of life and societal well-being; the role of the family in development and sustainability; and education, knowledge, and capacity-building for the future. Particular emphasis is placed upon understanding how modern technologies and artificial intelligence influence family relationships and socialisation, with a focus on developing innovative digital awareness tools that safeguard human values and connections.
Distinguished panel discussions explore pivotal questions shaping family life today. Sessions examine character-building for younger generations, the mounting pressures affecting family stability, and the complex interplay of family, schools, digital media and influencers in shaping young consciousness. Additional conversations address women’s contributions to family balance, emerging trends in family research, the reconciliation of professional ambitions with caregiving responsibilities, and the cultivation of financial literacy and resource management within household settings.
The forum’s proceedings are expected to yield strategic recommendations, community-focused projects, support for scientific research, and the development of training and awareness programmes aligned with societal aspirations. Through fostering meaningful dialogue and collaborative partnerships, the event seeks to empower future generations whilst strengthening the foundations of family life in the region.
Source: WAM