Amman, Sept. 27 (Petra) – The Global Forum for Moderation on Saturday convened its international conference in Amman under the theme "Empowering Families in Contemporary Societies: Opportunities and Challenges," with the participation of political, parliamentary and academic figures from Jordan, Arab and Islamic countries, and international partners.

Former Prime Minister Ahmad Obeidat, who patronized the event, said women represent the cornerstone of the family, and empowering them is a necessary entry point to preserve their human role amid attempts to undermine Arab and Islamic families. He stressed the need to uphold family balance and sustainability in word and deed, noting that active female participation contributes positively to building society, contrary to stereotypes often perpetuated.

Forum Secretary-General Marwan Al-Faouri said strengthening family cohesion in the face of global transformations underscores its role as the building block of society. He pointed to the suffering of Palestinian families and the hardships facing people in Gaza, which he said call for solidarity on humanitarian and moral grounds.

Forum President Abu Jarra Al-Sultani said rebuilding and reinforcing families reflects the health and strength of societies, underlining the importance of the family in defending values of moderation and balance embodied in Islam.

The conference featured a series of scientific papers. In the first session, chaired by Senate member Maj. Gen. Fadel Al-Hmoud, Hind Al-Hammadi of Qatar discussed the role of educational institutions and universities in building stable families. Media expert Amer Smadi presented on the impact of social media on family relations and the digital gap between generations, while Hmoud Elaimat addressed challenges facing families in changing environments.

The second session, chaired by former minister Bassam Al-Amoush, covered several topics, including Dr. Samira Al-Rifai’s paper on protecting children and adolescents from negative influences of the digital space, academic figure Mahmoud Al-Sartawi’s paper on the family’s role in promoting moral and educational values, and former MP Tamam Al-Riyati’s paper on family dysfunctions and solutions. Media figure Hossam Gharaibeh presented on the role of media in building balanced families.

The conference continues Sunday with two sessions. The first will feature contributions by Forum President Al-Sultani, Al Makki Kassoum of Algeria, and MP Bayan Fakhri. The second will include journalist Jareer Marqa, Yusra Al-Arawani of Jordan, and Basmah Jastaniah of Saudi Arabia.

Established in Amman in 2006, the Global Forum for Moderation is an international intellectual institution dedicated to promoting values of moderation, dialogue between cultures, and coexistence. It works to strengthen understanding among peoples, address challenges facing Arab and Islamic societies, and support the causes of the Ummah with an open spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

//Petra// AF