Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Conference on Empowering Family and Family Members

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Conference on Empowering Family and Family Members

With the participation of ministers, high-level delegates from OIC member states, and international non-governmental organizations working in the fields of women, family, and youth, a major conference entitled "Empowering Marriage and Family Institutions and Preserving Family Values in Member States" was convened in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on February 9, 2017.

Stressing the fundamental role of the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society under the OIC Charter, representatives emphasized that member states must formulate proactive, comprehensive policies to strengthen marital institutions and safeguard family values.

Delegates underlined the sacred responsibility of the family in child-rearing, moral education, and character formation as the primary source of ethical and spiritual values. They emphasized the role of religious values and Islamic law in safeguarding human dignity and protecting family bonds.

The pivotal role of civil society organizations in assisting families to raise children within healthy domestic environments was highlighted as a core theme throughout the summit. Additionally, participants affirmed that the family constitutes the foundation of sustainable social development and must be prioritized strategically to overcome modern socio-economic challenges.

Deep concerns were expressed regarding threats to peace, ongoing armed conflicts, occupation, and terrorism in several member states, emphasizing their devastating impact on family stability and community security.

Final Declaration of the OIC Conference on Empowering the Family and Family Members:

• Comprehensive Family Policies: We emphasize the urgent necessity of developing strategic policies to strengthen marriage institutions, empower families, and preserve traditional values.
• Institutional Mechanisms & Coordination: We request member states and OIC organs to establish coordination mechanisms with international organizations to exchange expert research and policy data.
• Poverty Alleviation & Family Unity: We call upon member states to implement practical measures to eradicate family poverty and promote family reunification.
• Micro-Finance & Academic Scholarships: We invite member states to provide micro-credits, vocational support, and academic scholarships to enable deserving families to build sustainable income-generating enterprises.
• Protection in Crisis Zones: We urge member states to adopt protective emergency mechanisms for families impacted by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and displacement.
• Rejection of Ideological Pressure: We unconditionally reject international discourses and economic or political pressures advocating homosexual agendas or attempting to grant legal minority status to such groups contrary to Islamic values.
• Global Advocacy: We encourage international steps to strengthen the role of family preservation organizations in global legal forums.
• Dedicated OIC Family Units: We invite member states to establish specialized family departments within OIC organs dealing with women empowerment and social development.
• Protecting Youth from Extremism: We call upon member states to fulfill family responsibilities in protecting children and youth from extremist, violent, or destructive ideologies by instilling values of peace, compassion, and moral integrity.