February 24-25, 2006

The First Doha International Colloquium on the Family Building a Network of Academic Expertise on the family in Africa

To promote international implementation of The Doha Declaration and support relevant regional efforts, the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development convened its first Colloquium in Nairobi, Kenya on 24-25 February 2006. The Colloquium, entitled The Doha International Colloquium on the Family – Building a Network of Academic Expertise on the Family in Africa, was hosted by Strathmore Business School (www.sbs.ac.ke) in Strathmore University (www.strathmore.edu). His Excellency, Professor Semakula Kiwanuka, Minister Of State Of Finance, Planning And Economic Development (Investments) - Uganda and Board member Doha International Institute for Family Studies & Development gave a keynote address on "Strengthening The Family as The Natural and Fundamental Unit of Society"

In August 2005 Strathmore University, Family Network International, Family Enrichment Kenya, Strathmore School, Kianda School and Pied Piper Family Entertainment collaborated in hosting the first Family in Africa Congress. The theme of the Congress was Towards Strengthening the Family in Africa and its aim was to emphasize the importance of the family as the basic fundamental unit of society. One of the objectives was to develop sound scholarship from Africa through creating a Network of African Family Scholars. This initiative will be coordinated by the Voice of the Family in Africa with reputable Universities and other Academic Centres in the world.

The Kenya Colloquium gathered prominent scholars, government leaders, NGO representatives, civil society members as well as media professionals to discuss needs for family research and policies. It also analysed and identified feasible family assistance programs in line with The Doha Declaration.

The Colloquium will also serve as an opportunity to encourage intercultural dialogue and build bridges of understanding between peoples and nations, where an exchange of knowledge will take place to benefit families around the world. The scholarship presented at this event will enrich a forthcoming annual publication by the Institute entitled The Family in the Third Millennium.
Recognising that the "family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society" The Doha Declaration aims to:

• strengthen the family's supportive, educational and nurturing roles;
• recognise the inherent dignity and right of life for human persons;
• emphasise the centrality of marriage, with husbands and wives as equal partners; and
• assist parents in rearing their children in a family environment full of happiness, love and understanding

The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development was established by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, Consort of His Highness the Emir of Qatar, following a meeting of international experts in September 2005. Her Highness' vision for the Institute sprang from the outstanding work achieved at the 2004 Doha International
Conference for the Family, which produced The Doha Declaration, an important document which re-affirmed long ignored family norms.