Vision
To build a leading regional platform that strengthens the family's role in sustainable development and consolidates values and cultural identity in the digital age.
Family: Where Balance Shapes the Future
Together for more balanced families
Date
28–29 October 2026
Time
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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Venue
ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah
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ICESCO Regional Family Forum
About the Forum
A regional platform bringing together decision-makers, experts, academics and government, development and cultural institutions to shape the future of the family amid rapid digital, social and cultural change.
The world is undergoing rapid change driven by the digital revolution, which has directly affected the structure of the family and the way its members interact. This calls for a stronger balance between benefiting from modern technologies and preserving authentic family values. In this context, the ICESCO Regional Family Forum in Sharjah serves as a regional platform for dialogue and for sharing expertise and knowledge on the main challenges and opportunities facing the family in the digital age. The Forum stems from the importance of the family as the cornerstone of social stability and human development, and from a commitment to strengthening its role in raising generations that are more aware, more balanced and better able to engage positively with contemporary change.
In support of this direction, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) plays a central role in advancing efforts to empower the family and consolidate cultural and human values, through initiatives and programmes that keep pace with global change and support sustainable development. The Emirate of Sharjah also stands out as a leading model in supporting cultural, knowledge and community work. The Forum is held in conjunction with the Year of the Family, reflecting the United Arab Emirates' commitment to empowering the family, strengthening its stability and reinforcing its central role in building sustainable societies.
The Forum is a regional platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, academics, and government, development and cultural institutions to advance dialogue on the future of the family amid accelerating digital, social and cultural transformation. It aims to develop distinctive visions and initiatives that support a balance between digital transformation and the consolidation of national and cultural values and identity, while supporting sustainable community development and empowering future generations.
The Forum also seeks to strengthen institutional and knowledge partnerships, support the production of scientific research and studies, and launch actionable community initiatives that enhance family quality of life and social stability. It is expected to attract broad participation from government bodies, regional and international organisations, academic and development institutions, experts, researchers, media professionals, young people and everyone interested in family and human development.
Mission
To promote dialogue and institutional and knowledge integration on contemporary family issues, and to enable communities to develop sustainable solutions and initiatives that support family, cultural and digital balance.
Register to attend
Registration is free. Once you register you will receive a confirmation email with your personal QR code, which is your entry pass at the reception.
28–29 October 2026
ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah
Forum agenda
Two days of keynotes, ministerial dialogue, panels, research papers and hands-on workshops across three halls. Tap a session or a speaker to learn more.
9:00–10:00 AM
Reception Area
Registration10:00–10:30 AM
Cultural Auditorium
Opening Programme10:30–11:15 AM
Cultural Auditorium
Ministerial Session11:15–11:20 AM
All halls
BreakShort break
11:20 AM–12:00 PM
Cultural Auditorium
Keynote Lecture11:20 AM–12:00 PM
Cultural Auditorium
Signing Ceremony12:00–12:15 PM
All halls
BreakShort break
12:15–1:30 PM
Cultural Auditorium
Panel Discussion12:15–12:40 PM
Knowledge Hall 1
Scientific Papers12:15–1:30 PM
Knowledge Hall 1
Workshop- To be announcedSharjah Foundation for Family DevelopmentSpeaker
12:40–1:00 PM
Knowledge Hall 1
Scientific Papers1:00–1:45 PM
Cultural Auditorium
Dialogue of Generations1:00–1:45 PM
Knowledge Hall 1
Workshop- To be announcedEmirates Health Services (EHS)Speaker
1:45–2:30 PM
Cultural Auditorium
Panel Discussion- To be announcedSession moderatorModerator
2:15–3:00 PM
Knowledge Hall 2
Workshop2:15–3:00 PM
Knowledge Hall 2
Panel Discussion
Note: this agenda is preliminary. The final version will be confirmed once all speakers have confirmed their participation.
Contact Us
We welcome inquiries, collaboration opportunities and institutional engagement from partners, researchers, media representatives and the public. Please use the contact form below or reach us through the contact details provided.
Send Us a Message
Institutional Contact Information
- University City Road, University City, Sharjah, UAE
- +971 6 50 70000
- iros@icesco.org.ae
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (UAE time)