Difi’s virtual global conference on healthy marriages starts today

Supporting the formation and maintenance of healthy marriages in Qatar and across the world will be the subject of a three-day virtual global conference, organised by Doha International Family Institute, and starting today.

With changing perceptions and attitudes towards marriage – coupled with the challenges of fluctuating social, economic, cultural, and psychological conditions individuals have been facing – Doha International Family Institute (Difi) remains committed to its mission of preserving the well-being and stability of families both in Qatar and around the world.

The event hosted by Difi – a member of Qatar Foundation (QF) – will see hundreds of people from across the globe attend in-depth discussions on the socioeconomic challenges.

Titled Marriage: Formation and Constituents of Stability, the conference offers a platform for researchers, social science experts, NGOs, civil society organisations, policymakers, and young people to delve into the different facets of matrimony through a lineup of interactive sessions.

The conference will feature 18 discussions with more than 60 speakers, who will offer their expertise and insight on specific topics surrounding matrimony and marriage formation.

The first plenary session – Marriage and Socioeconomic Challenges – will explore the significance of socioeconomic factors on marital development, while another session will see policymakers, experts, and youth share ideas around the topic of Perceptions First: The Difference between Man and Woman.

During these sessions, policy recommendations that support marriage formation will be proposed.

Additionally, the international event features Ask the Expert sessions where conference participants can engage with subject matter experts, and Coffee Conversation, a virtual lounge for networking and debating with peers.

A Safe Space is also provided for those who wish to book a private consultation with a counsellor.

Other highlights include a keynote address by renowned marriage and family therapist, Kevin Skinner on the topic, Building A Case For Marriage.

And, on the first day of the conference, Difi will unveil a special report on the State of Marriage in the Arab World, which is the result of a two-year extensive research in the 22 Arab countries.

Through this global conference, Difi aims to advocate for the development and implementation of policies, interventions, protection programmes and best practices that preserve the wellbeing and stability of marital relations worldwide.

Registration for the conference is available via the Difi website: https://event.difi.org.qa/