Towards the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family:Time for Reflection amidst Crisis

To build a new family, especially in times of crisis, is certainly not easy.

Besides the economic crisis, there are environmental and educational struggles. Such is the charge of transmitting values to one’s own children -values that allow them to mature as adults, as men and women of criteria, as protagonists of social change rather than individuals who passively undergo social transformations. These are real challenges for new parents who need support, guidance, formation, and without a doubt, encouragement from national and international institutions.

This year, the United Nations will celebrate its 20th anniversary for the International Year of the Family: an event meant to not only to honor the family, but also to further acknowledge the essential role that the family plays, and ought to develop even further, in today’s society. This occasion is an excellent opportunity to focus on the role of the family in the development of the human person and civil society, as well as to unearth initiatives and ideas that may bring about new political and civic solutions to problems.

To prepare for the event, an array of international initiative for experts in the field are being organized, from international meetings and conferences, to think tanks and discussion forums, to research projects and the publication of the latest studies conducted.

The official site www.family2014.org is already active and updated with news, reports, conferences and other scheduled events.

Familyandmedia invites those interested in learning more about the occasion to check out the “Declaration of the civil society on the occasion of the 20° anniversary of the international year of the family” www.family2014.org/declaration.php.