Sharjah to Host ICESCO Regional Family Forum Exploring Family’s Role in Sustainable Development
The emirate will convene leading policymakers, academics and cultural institutions for a two-day forum addressing how families can navigate modern transformations whilst preserving core values and national identity.
Sharjah will host the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Regional Family Forum on 28 and 29 October 2026, bringing together distinguished decision-makers, scholars, academics and representatives from government, development and cultural institutions across the region.
Organised at ICESCO’s regional office in Sharjah, the forum carries the thematic focus “Family… A Balance That Builds the Future,” a carefully chosen expression that underscores the fundamental importance of familial cohesion as a cornerstone of resilient, sustainable societies. The two-day convening will examine the family’s vital role in shaping communities capable of flourishing amid the profound digital, social, cultural and economic transformations reshaping contemporary life.
The forum’s programme will foster meaningful dialogue and exchange of expertise amongst policymakers, family development specialists, researchers and institutional leaders, exploring how families might navigate modern challenges whilst maintaining their foundational values and cultural identity. Discussions will address the opportunities and complexities presented by technological advancement, examining how societies can harness digital progress whilst safeguarding the human connections and traditional values that constitute the bedrock of community strength.
Deliberations will concentrate upon developing practical frameworks and collaborative strategies that enhance family wellbeing and community resilience, with particular emphasis upon strengthening the family’s contribution to sustainable development. Participants will explore cooperation across governmental, academic, research and cultural sectors, forging partnerships designed to create supportive environments for children and young people whilst reinforcing cultural preservation and community participation.
The choice of Sharjah as host reflects the emirate’s distinguished commitment to family welfare and the preparation of future generations for tomorrow’s complexities. This commitment aligns with the developmental vision articulated by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which emphasises investment in people, preservation of foundational values and the strategic development of local institutions.
Through hosting this significant regional gathering, Sharjah further establishes itself as a premier hub for culture, education and meaningful community dialogue, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to placing family development and human wellbeing at the centre of social progress. The forum’s emphasis upon balancing tradition with contemporary progress, meeting modern demands whilst preserving human connection and cultural values, reflects the region’s broader commitment to sustainable human development.
Source: WAM