Arab Multidimensional Social Development Forum Endorses Doha Declaration on Protecting Arab Family

Doha, February 08 (QNA) - The Doha Declaration endorsed by the high-level meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, within the work of the Arab Multidimensional Social Development Forum, hailed Qatar's initiative to protect the Arab family from security, social and intellectual changes that debilitate a normal family structure. 
     The Declaration praised the Doha Pledge for Established Arab Family which was signed Thursday by Their Excellencies the Arab Ministers of Social Development and Family along with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, under the title "Doha Pledge on Promoting Integrated Social Protection and Consolidating the Principles and Customs Related to the Established Arab Family". The Pledge comes as an extension of Qatar's efforts to embed the principles and identity of the Arab family and protect it from risks that threaten its unity and cohesion. 
    The Pledge underscored that a marriage-based family offers the special care for children to grow up in happiness, love and understanding, and for their personalities to fully develop. It also stressed the necessity of implementing policies and measures aimed at supporting and protecting a normal family.
    The Declaration hailed the State of Qatar's hosting of the meeting based on its rich history in supporting a well-established family, and its efforts in facilitating negotiations on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at the United Nations, which led to the Third Committee of the UNGA at its 76th session adopting the preparations for the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024 (IYF+30). 
    While commending regional and global efforts by regional groupings and countries like Singapore, Turkiye and Hungary that go in line with Arab vision on preserving the family and its established values, the Declaration called on the General Secretariat of the Arab League to propose a ministerial mechanism within the framework of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, to follow up on the implementation of the requirements of this declaration, in coordination with the relevant Arab League bodies, and in cooperation with partners from the UN and friendly countries, organizations, and regional groups in order to achieve the goals and directions of this declaration.
    The Declaration included the development of plans and programs aimed at enhancing the fabric of the Arab family, preserving the institution of marriage, continuing efforts to develop societies, and repelling all attempts that threaten Arab societies and future generations. 
    The two-day forum discussed a number of important files that represent a priority for joint Arab social development work, most notably the Second Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities 2023-2032, and Second Arab Multidimensional Poverty Report, and the sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life of Arab individuals and communities. 
    The Arab Forum was an important opportunity to inform Arab ministers of social affairs and representatives of relevant regional and international organizations about the State of Qatar's experience and pioneering initiatives in multiple development and social areas.
    The outcomes of the forum will be presented to the next Arab League summit. (QNA)