Family Affairs Council Concludes Forum on Family Counseling

The seventh edition of the Family Forum, themed “Family counseling: Building power from within in a changing world,” concluded in Riyadh after two days of discussions under the patronage of Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Family Affairs Council. The event brought together leaders, decision-makers, and experts in social and family affairs to address the evolving challenges facing families in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Context and Background

The Family Forum is a key initiative of the Family Affairs Council, established to strengthen family cohesion and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. This year’s forum focused on family counseling as a means to empower families from within, especially in a rapidly changing world. The event underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to social development and the well-being of its citizens.

Key Details

The forum commenced with the launch of the family guidance strategy, a comprehensive framework aimed at helping families navigate contemporary challenges. A dialogue session, moderated by Dr. Maimoonah Al Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, featured Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi and Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education. Al-Rajhi emphasized the strategy’s role in assisting families to adapt to rapid changes, while Al-Benyan highlighted the importance of partnership between families and schools, noting the Education Ministry’s efforts to empower students.

Four specialized workshops were conducted, designed to enhance the skills of family members, interested individuals, and practitioners in family counseling. The forum culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Family Affairs Council and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to enhance cooperation in family support and stabilization.

Implications and Impact

The outcomes of the forum are expected to have a significant impact on family support systems in Saudi Arabia. By integrating family counseling into broader social strategies, the Kingdom aims to build resilient families capable of contributing to societal progress. The MoU signed between the two entities will facilitate joint efforts in providing resources and training, ultimately benefiting families across the nation. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a vibrant society with strong family foundations.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Family Forum and the launch of the family guidance strategy are directly aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes social development and the empowerment of families as the bedrock of a thriving society. Through such initiatives, the Kingdom continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens and residents, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the theme of the seventh Family Forum?

A1. The theme was “Family counseling: Building power from within in a changing world.” It focused on empowering families to navigate modern challenges through internal strength and counseling.

Q2. Who patronized the Family Forum?

A2. Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Family Affairs Council, patronized the event. His leadership underscores the government’s commitment to family welfare.

Q3. Where and when did the forum take place?

A3. The forum was held in Riyadh and concluded on September 5, 2024, after two days of sessions. It gathered leaders, decision-makers, and experts in social and family affairs.

Q4. What was launched at the opening of the forum?

A4. The family guidance strategy was launched. This strategy aims to help families overcome challenges in light of rapid societal changes and to promote family stability.

Q5. Who moderated the dialogue session?

A5. Dr. Maimoonah Al Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, moderated the dialogue session. She guided the discussion between the ministers on family and educational matters.

Q6. Which ministers participated in the dialogue session?

A6. Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi and Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, participated. They discussed the importance of family counseling and the partnership between families and schools.

Q7. What did Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi emphasize?

A7. He emphasized the strategy’s contributions to helping families navigate challenges in light of rapid changes. He highlighted the importance of family counseling in building resilient families.

Q8. What did Minister Yousef Al-Benyan highlight?

A8. He highlighted the importance of partnership between families and schools, noting the Education Ministry’s efforts to empower students. He stressed that collaboration is key to student success and family well-being.

Q9. How many workshops were held at the forum?

A9. Four specialized workshops were held. They aimed at developing the skills of family members, interested persons, and practitioners in family counseling.

Q10. What was the purpose of these workshops?

A10. The workshops were designed to develop the skills of family members, interested individuals, and practitioners in family counseling. They provided practical training and knowledge to enhance counseling effectiveness.

Q11. What agreement was signed at the end of the forum?

A11. An MoU was signed between the Family Affairs Council and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in family support and stabilization.

Q12. What is the significance of the MoU?

A12. The MoU strengthens collaboration between the two entities to provide better support for families. It facilitates joint efforts in resources, training, and programs for family stability.

Q13. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. The forum aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of a vibrant society with strong families. It supports social development and empowerment of families as the foundation of a thriving nation.

Q14. Who attended the forum?

A14. Leaders, decision-makers, and elite experts and specialists in social and family affairs attended. Their participation enriched the discussions and outcomes of the forum.

Q15. What is the role of the Family Affairs Council?

A15. The Family Affairs Council is responsible for family-related policies and initiatives in Saudi Arabia. It works to enhance family cohesion and supports the objectives of Vision 2030.

Q16. How many editions of the Family Forum have been held?

A16. This was the seventh edition. The forum has become a key annual event for discussing family issues and promoting family counseling in the Kingdom.

Q17. What is the family guidance strategy?

A17. It is a comprehensive framework launched at the forum to help families navigate challenges. It aims to build internal strength and resilience in a changing world.

Q18. How does the Education Ministry contribute to family empowerment?

A18. The Education Ministry empowers students through various programs and emphasizes partnership with families. This collaboration supports student development and family well-being.

Q19. What is the expected impact of the forum on Saudi society?

A19. The forum is expected to strengthen family support systems and promote family counseling. It will contribute to building resilient families and a cohesive society.

Q20. What future steps will follow the forum?

A20. The MoU will facilitate joint initiatives between the Family Affairs Council and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These will include training, resources, and programs to support families.

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