The Doha International Institute for Family Studies & Development

The Doha Declaration reaffirming many of the international commitments including those set in Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to the natural family*, was adopted by consensus.

In order to achieve and implement the commitments set out in the Doha Declaration, as well as the objectives set out in the International Year of the Family, Her Highness established in September 2005 The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (FSD), and selected The Board of Governors**.

The Institute reflects the commitment of Her Highness to establish a global study center that will provide the region-and the world- with academic research, interdisciplinary studies, and policy initiatives to support the efforts of governments, international organizations, UN agencies and civil society to develop and implement family development plans, policies and programmes.

This organizational structure refines and sharpens the focus of FSD work's plan:

• The Implementation and Social Outreach Division, will support regional and international programmes to strengthen the family, develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with like-minded NGOs, and develop and disseminate training and informational materials. The Division will have the primary responsibility for organizing Doha Colloquia dealing with the family's crucial role in social and economic development.
• The Family Policy Division, will raise awareness about family issues, mainstream a comprehensive family perspective at international level and enhance cooperation and coordination with local, regional and international partners. The Division will Work with UN agencies Funds and Programmes to address family issues in order to achieve the objectives of The International year of the Family and to implement commitment within the framework of UN major Conferences.
• The Research Division will develop and maintain regional and international networks of family scholars, support on-going research projects consistent with the International Year of the Family, and assist the other operating Divisions in performing their functions. The Division will have the primary responsibility for convening and coordinating research-related Doha Colloquia and publishing the work products of these events in periodic volumes of The Family in the New Millennium.

Mission of The Institute

In cooperation with UN agencies, Governmental bodies, Universities, academic institutions, research centers and non-governmental organizations, the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development will strive to implement the objectives of the International Year of the Family by:

• Promoting family policies, initiatives and programmes at national regional and international levels.
• Developing a regional and international network of experts dealing with family issues.
• Sponsoring selected research projects and supporting effective programs that assist the family to fulfill its numerous important roles;
• Disseminating documents and researches on the family emanating from the institute when attending international conferences and academic meetings.
• Disseminating the outcome of workshops and conferences organized by the Institute, as well as outcomes from UN and other International conferences within local centers and regional institutions.
• Encouraging intercultural dialogue and build bridges of understanding- between peoples, nations and cultures by undertaking friendly family initiatives and programmes.

Objectives of The Institute

The Institute, in partnership with UN agencies, international organizations, Governmental bodies, NGOs and other stake-holders will aim to achieve the following objectives:

• Integrating a comprehensive family perspective approach at the international level particularly in the agenda and multiyear programme of the work of ECOSOC, CSD and CSW.
• Providing information on existing policies and activities in the field of family and exchange experiences and best practices when attending UN meetings.
• Organizing an annual Doha Briefing for diplomats, NGOs, civil society in order to raise awareness about the family issues and disseminate information about the work of the Institute.
• Convening an event to commemorate the Doha Conference.
• Commemorating the International Day of the Family(15 May) by organizing a Family Day Event in Doha and supporting, as appropriate, Events in other regions (including the Middle East, Scandinavia and Africa).
• Organizing and sponsoring four or five regional Colloquia (Doha, Uganda, Lebanon, Mexico and London).

* Noted by Resolution A/RES/59/111 on 06-Dec-04.
** The Board of Governors comprises personalities from different regions of the world, taking into account equitable geographical distribution.