COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT 2024 - ORAL STATEMENT

Mr. Chair,
Thank you to all present that have stayed this long to listen to the Civil Society voices. It is an honor to convey this statement during the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the ICPD and the International Year of the Family.
I am speaking on behalf of the International Federation for Family Development, the European Federation of Parents and Carers at Home, the Doha International Family Institute, European Large Families Confederation, Haro Association of Sweden.
Since 2019, we have been fully involved in preparing the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024.
As part of the Preparations, we have been promoting a Civil Society Declaration to integrate Megatrends, experts’ contributions and family needs to share family-friendly policies.
Here some recommendations from the Civil Society Declaration and its 35 signatories,
(On) New Technologies
Promote the use of new technologies in flexible work arrangements to enable families to fulfill their care responsibilities.
Encourage open communication between parents and children, fostering resilience and adequate use of technology, including awareness about online risks.
(On) Climate Change
Develop strategies to face the impact of climate change on families by assessing challenges regarding food security, housing, energy and health, through parenting support programs and family networks.
(On) Urbanization and International Migration
Develop family-responsive urban spaces that are inclusive, safe, resilient, healthy, affordable and sustainable in order for families to thrive.
(On) Demographic Shifts
Provide assistance, care and protection for all family members taking into account longer life expectancy, growing numbers of dual-worker households, declining fertility, higher rates of family breakdown and changing family patterns.
Encourage parenting support programmes focusing on developing skills on care, intergenerational solidarity and early childhood to give their children the best start in life.
Recognize, protect and value the socio-economic contribution of unpaid care work, considering its financial, societal and cultural implications.
A complete version of the Civil Society Declaration is available among the official documents of this Commission.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.