UNIW International Family Institute (IFI) 3rd High Advisory Board Meeting

The 3rd High Advisory Board Meeting of the UNIW International Family Institute (IFI / UAE) was held on January 12, 2020, at the Istanbul Akgün Hotel. The meeting was convened with the participation of over 80 NGO representatives, bureaucrats, experts, and academicians from more than 40 countries.

The meeting commenced with the opening speech of UNIW Secretary General Atty. Ali Kurt. Kurt stated: "I extend my sincere gratitude to each of our participants. Under the scope of IFI, we have organized numerous programs across Turkey, Indonesia, and various countries. Most recently, we conducted a family workshop at SETA. By the grace of Allah and with your support, we have accomplished vital programs. As you know, we formed six sub-commissions for IFI, which we termed 'desks': Strategy and Literature Development Desk, International Agreements and Public Policy Desk, Fieldwork and Inventory Desk, Press and Media Desk, International Relations Desk, and Family Jurisprudence Desk. Today, we will listen to presentations from the respective desk heads. The family is the bedrock of society and is therefore under systemic assault. International conventions such as the Istanbul Convention, CEDAW, Beijing, etc., carry both positive and negative impacts. We will consult upon these and other issues together and share our final report with you," before handing the floor to KAGE Co-President Dr. Rabiye Yılmaz for her presentation on IFI activities.

Dr. Rabiye Yılmaz briefed participants on IFI-centered activities conducted since the 2nd High Advisory Board Meeting in 2017. Her presentation featured:

• Family Charter Workshop,
• "Empowerment of Women, Family Institute, and Health" panel at the Pillars of Civilization: Women Conference,
• Family-oriented meetings during the Morocco Visit attended by High Advisory Board members,
• Official visit to the Deputy Minister of Family and Social Policies,
• "Strong Family, Strong Society" panel organized jointly by IFI and IMWU during the International NGO Fair,
• Workshop titled "Priority Action Plans of the Family Institute - Family Charter",
• Participation in the "We Are All Mary" program organized by UKAED,
• Gathering with Young NGO Members,
• Participation in the "Right to Family Protection" symposium organized by the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (TIHEK),
• Participation in the 7th Family Council of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services,
• Official visit to the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Services, Mrs. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk,
• Malaysia Visit: International Muslim Women's Union (IMWU) Council Meeting, official visit to Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, meeting with International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Nor Faridah Abdul Manaf, and visit to Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merve Safa Kavakcı,
• Official visit to Zeliha Sağlam, Head of Strategy Development, and Ali Çevik, General Manager of Family and Community Services at the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services,
• 2nd Workshop of the International Family Institute (IFI) for 2019.

Following the presentation, participants shared their evaluations regarding the first session. In the second session of the meeting, IFI Working Desk Heads presented on their respective desks and operational progress. Participants exchanged views on completed tasks and future strategic initiatives.

Prof. Dr. Muhyiddin Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), delivered a closing evaluation. In his address, Al-Qaradaghi stated: "Let us unite around the causes that bring Muslims together. Let us look at how the Quran prepares our family and reflect upon it. Regarding the expulsion of Adam from Paradise, attributing blame solely to woman is erroneous; both shared in the decision. Misconceptions claiming that women are weak or incapable of governance are refuted by the Quranic narrative of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) and Solomon, as well as references to Prophet Moses' mother and wife. These are recounted not merely as stories, but to highlight the vital dignity and leadership of women. In the Holy Quran, it is affirmed that 'the consent of a woman is like the consent of a man'."

The meeting concluded with a family photo session and a closing prayer delivered by IUMS Secretary General Prof. Dr. Muhyiddin Ali Al-Qaradaghi.