Al-Mawaddah Becomes First Saudi Society to Join World Family Organization

Al-Mawaddah Society for Family Development has become the first Saudi civil society organization to join the World Family Organization (WFO), following the unanimous approval of its board of directors. The announcement was made on September 30, 2024, by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), marking a historic milestone for the Kingdom’s non-profit sector. This achievement places Al-Mawaddah as the first Saudi society to gain WFO membership since the organization’s founding in 1947, and comes 50 years after the Kingdom itself became a member of the international body.

Context and Background

The World Family Organization, established in 1947, is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting family well-being and sustainable development globally. Saudi Arabia’s 50-year membership in the WFO underscores the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to family-centered policies. Al-Mawaddah’s induction into the organization reflects the growing strength and international recognition of Saudi civil society, particularly in the field of family development. The society’s membership aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the family as a core unit of social and economic progress.

Key Details and Official Statements

Eng. Faisal Al-Samanoudi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Mawaddah Society for Family Development, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for Non-Profit Sector for their unwavering support. Their assistance was instrumental in facilitating the society’s application and subsequent approval by the WFO. Al-Mawaddah’s membership enables it to collaborate with international partners, share best practices, and contribute to global discussions on family welfare. The society has a long track record in Saudi Arabia of providing family counseling, mediation, and educational programs aimed at strengthening family bonds.

Implications and Impact

This development positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in family-oriented non-profit work within the international community. By joining the WFO, Al-Mawaddah gains access to a global network of organizations, allowing for cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and strategies for family support. It also enhances the Kingdom’s reputation as a committed actor in international civil society, capable of contributing to global development goals. The membership is expected to open doors for joint initiatives, research collaborations, and funding opportunities that will benefit Saudi families and communities. International observers see this as a positive step that reinforces the Kingdom’s soft power and its role in promoting social stability.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Al-Mawaddah’s membership in the World Family Organization is a direct manifestation of Saudi Vision 2030‘s emphasis on empowering the non-profit sector as a key driver of community development. Vision 2030 places the family at the heart of sustainable development, recognizing that strong families form the foundation of a thriving society. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s institutional support for civil society, as exemplified by the guidance of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for Non-Profit Sector. Looking ahead, Al-Mawaddah’s international platform will help showcase the Kingdom’s family-focused initiatives on a global stage, contributing to long-term social resilience and the realization of Vision 2030’s ambitious goals.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Al-Mawaddah Society for Family Development?

A1. Al-Mawaddah Society for Family Development is a Saudi non-profit organization focused on family well-being, offering counseling, mediation, and educational programs to strengthen family bonds and promote social stability.

Q2. When did Al-Mawaddah join the World Family Organization?

A2. Al-Mawaddah announced its membership in the World Family Organization on September 30, 2024, after receiving unanimous approval from its board of directors.

Q3. What is the World Family Organization?

A3. The World Family Organization (WFO) is an international non-governmental organization established in 1947, dedicated to promoting family welfare and sustainable development globally.

Q4. Why is this membership significant for Saudi Arabia?

A4. Al-Mawaddah is the first Saudi society to join the WFO since its founding in 1947, highlighting the growing international recognition of Saudi civil society and its family-focused initiatives.

Q5. How long has Saudi Arabia been a member of the World Family Organization?

A5. Saudi Arabia became a member of the World Family Organization 50 years ago, demonstrating the Kingdom’s long-term commitment to family-centered policies and international cooperation.

Q6. Who expressed gratitude for this achievement?

A6. Eng. Faisal Al-Samanoudi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Mawaddah, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for Non-Profit Sector for their support.

Q7. How does this align with Vision 2030?

A7. Vision 2030 places the family at the heart of sustainable development and empowers the non-profit sector. This membership directly supports those goals by elevating Saudi family initiatives internationally.

Q8. What role did the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development play?

A8. The Ministry provided essential support and guidance to Al-Mawaddah throughout the process of applying for membership in the World Family Organization.

Q9. What is the National Center for Non-Profit Sector?

A9. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector is a Saudi government agency that regulates and supports civil society organizations, helping them achieve international standards and recognition.

Q10. What services does Al-Mawaddah offer to families?

A10. Al-Mawaddah offers family counseling, mediation services, and educational programs aimed at resolving conflicts, strengthening relationships, and promoting healthy family dynamics.

Q11. How does this membership benefit Saudi families?

A11. The membership opens doors for international collaboration, research exchanges, and funding, bringing global best practices to Saudi family support programs and directly benefiting local communities.

Q12. What is the international significance of this development?

A12. It positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in family-oriented non-profit work and enhances the Kingdom’s soft power, showcasing its commitment to social stability and global development goals.

Q13. Will Al-Mawaddah collaborate with other WFO members?

A13. Yes, the membership allows Al-Mawaddah to collaborate with a global network of organizations, sharing knowledge and strategies for family welfare and sustainable development.

Q14. How does this reflect on Saudi civil society?

A14. It demonstrates the growing maturity and international recognition of Saudi civil society, which is increasingly seen as a model for family development in the region and beyond.

Q15. What are the long-term goals of Al-Mawaddah?

A15. Al-Mawaddah aims to continuously improve family stability in Saudi Arabia and to contribute to global family welfare by leveraging its new WFO platform for joint initiatives.

Q16. Is this membership part of a broader trend in Saudi Arabia?

A16. Yes, it reflects the Kingdom’s broader efforts under Vision 2030 to empower non-profits, enhance social development, and engage more actively with international organizations.

Q17. What was the process for Al-Mawaddah to join the WFO?

A17. The society underwent an application process supported by the Ministry and the National Center, culminating in a unanimous vote of approval from Al-Mawaddah’s board and acceptance by the WFO.

Q18. What does ‘non-profit sector as a key driver’ mean?

A18. It means that Vision 2030 sees non-profit organizations as essential engines for social and economic development, complementing government and private sector efforts to improve quality of life.

Q19. How does this enhance Saudi Arabia’s global reputation?

A19. It reinforces the Kingdom’s image as a committed and capable partner in international civil society, dedicated to family values, sustainable development, and cross-cultural cooperation.

Q20. What can readers expect from Al-Mawaddah in the future?

A20. Readers can expect Al-Mawaddah to engage in more international projects, share expertise with global partners, and contribute to shaping family policies both in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.

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