The Family, the Key to a Warmer Society?

Oslo, Norway - Being aware of the very different situations and needs of the families around the world, we chose this time to focus on the circumstances of the family in today’s Norwegian society. A one-day seminar was organized for professionals on May 19. The title of the seminar was The Family – the Key to a Warmer Society?

Around 40 participants attended the seminar, which gathered top speakers who talked about the situation of families from various angles.

Mrs. Thale Berg Husby, department leader of the UN Communication Office in Norway, opened the day with an orientation of UN’s work for families.

Mrs. Turid Noack, from Statistics Norway, has been following the changes in marriage and family patterns for more than a generation as a senior researcher. She presented valuable statistics on the subject.

Mrs. Hanne Nabintu Herland is the author of a newly published Norwegian book, Alarm. This book, which has become a bestseller, explains some worrying tendencies and trends in our society. She explains that too much emphasis on personal freedom might lead to a cold society full of conflicts.

The ombudsman for children in Norway spoke of the positive development that had taken place regarding children’s rights. But he also emphasized the very difficult situation many children encounter when their parents go their separate ways without being able to cooperate.

After lunch, the secretary general of UPF-Norway gave a presentation on the family as a natural resource for the individual and the society.

Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Warich from the Minhaj Conflict Council shared a immigrant's perspective on the family. He spoke of differences in the family life in two cultures.

After a coffee break, professor Sigurd Skirbekk spoke of the family’s role in our societies. The family is a key institution for the functionality of the societies in which we live. If the family functions well, so does the society.

The seminar gave valuable insights into the importance and situation of the families. The event provided good opportunities for networking and to share ideas how to continue this important work for the future of our society.