NGO Committee in Geneva Advances Pro-Family Policies
- Jun 1
- 1 min read
Geneva, Switzerland – The NGO Committee on the Family–Geneva convened a combined observance of the International Day of Families and Global Day of Parents on June 1, 2026, at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG). The 90‑minute conference on “Families and Parenting Support as Foundations of Peaceful and Resilient Societies” was co‑sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Egypt, Cameroon, Jordan and El Salvador.
The NGO Committee on the Family–Geneva was formally established on April 29, 2026, as a subsidiary of the NGO Committee on the Family–New York, creating a new platform for civil society engagement on family policy at the United Nations in Geneva. Membership is open to non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the United Nations.
To inaugurate its activities the founding members, including UPF, convened the June 1 event. Ambassadors from Egypt, Jordan and Cameroon set the diplomatic tone by underscoring the central role of parents and families in social cohesion and peacebuilding. Civil society speakers brought practical perspectives on parenting support programs, while the special rapporteur on violence against women and girls highlighted how family‑centered policies intersect with the prevention of violence and protection of rights.
Held in Hall 9 at UNOG, the event drew roughly 60 attendees, including about 26 government delegates – a turnout that underlines the sustained international interest in family‑centered approaches to resilience, development and human security. The committee’s launch signals a renewed commitment to elevating family issues in multilateral policy discussions and fostering partnerships between states, the UN system and civil society.
By Heiner W. Handschin, Director, UPF Office for UN Relations, Geneva June 1, 2026
