top of page

Vienna Conference Advocates Family-Oriented Policies

Updated: Jun 10


Vienna, Austria – To mark the UN International Day of Families, UPF-Austria, together with the Family Federation for World Peace, the Austrian Women’s Federation, and the Iranian Wisdom House Vienna, organized a conference on May 17, 2025 addressing the topic of “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development.”

The conference, held at the UPF Peace Center and moderated by Ms. Marinela Stefanc, drew an international audience as well as renowned speakers who presented and discussed the importance of the concept of the family in today’s turbulent world. 


The president of UPF-Austria, Mr. Peter Haider, opened the conference with a warm welcoming speech. A software professional, Mr. Haider has dedicated himself to interreligious dialogue since 1984 and has been active with UPF for the past 20 years. A proud father of four sons and grandfather of 10 grandchildren, he cannot emphasize enough the importance and bliss of family life. Mr. Haider’s greetings were followed by the conference speakers including Mrs. Elisabeth Cook, Dr. Wadih Maalouf, Dr. Reza Gholami, Mr. Derwin Morillo and Ms. Yuru Peters.


Mrs. Elisabeth Cook, president of the Austrian Family Federation, pointed out the unalterable connection among family members. However, to understand each other’s role, she said, it is not enough to adhere to traditional values. She suggested a new and holistic perspective in which family members have different tasks or responsibilities, depending on their position, but all hold the same value and dignity. A healthy family provides space for its members to grow and develop, and also serves the public good. Mrs. Cook also advocated for character education within the public education system, starting as early as kindergarten.


Dr. Reza Gholami, cultural attaché of Iran, is a renowned scholar specialized in political and intercultural philosophy, Islamic philosophy, and cultural studies. He spoke on cultural diversity versus single culture in the family, mentioning that maintaining traditions should be a goal of communities. Dr. Gholami stressed that sustainable development should include many models based on cultural differences; there should not be just one approach. At the same time, there must be respect for human rights by preventing traditions from being used to limit freedoms, especially for women and children. By valuing diversity and using guides like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we can create a fair, peaceful, and sustainable future.


Dr. Wadih Maalouf from Lebanon is a seasoned UN professional, having worked there since 2006. A graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, he is a global program coordinator at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, working closely with the World Health Organization. He emphasized the family as a social institution and rounded up his presentation by reciting the great Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran’s “On Children” from the book “The Prophet,” which very much touched the audience.


Mr. Derwin Morillo from Venezuela reminded the audience that Venezuela has rich oil resources, but the country, which was once rich, is unfortunately now very poor. Amid corruption and other setbacks, the family problem is a serious issue in society. Forty percent of families have single mothers, and nine out of ten single mothers live under the poverty line. Mr. Morillo pointed out that family breakdown and economic decline are interrelated. His greatest hopes for the family are peace, goodness and humanity. 


Ms. Yuru Wang-Peters shared her experience of intercultural marriage. She grew up in Austria, whereas her parents emigrated from Singapore. She and her husband, who has a German-Russian background, live in Vienna with their three children in a three-generational household. She compared the family to a school of love, learning and sacrifice. A successful family life needs members who overcome selfishness. In Asia, it is normal to see three generations under one roof, which is by no means easy. She stressed that mutual respect, patience and love are essential elements in keeping a large family harmonious. 


“True Family Awards,” the highlight of the conference, honored five couples, from Austria, the Philippines, Nigeria, Lebanon, Pakistan and Australia. The conference was enriched by musical performances which included the FFWPU choir singing “You raised me up” and “Von guten Mächten,” in addition to a violin performance of a sonata by G.P. Telemann. 


Following the main event, participants were invited to a buffet, providing an opportunity for animated discussions, meeting old friends, and making new acquaintances.


 

By Helen Chang, UPF-Austria May 17, 2025
 

If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making a donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.

UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.

Donate to the Universal Peace Federation:
Your donation to support the general programs of UPF.

Donate with PayPal

Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS):
Your donation will be used for service projects around the world.

Donate with PayPal

Donate to UPF's Africa Projects:
Your donation will be used for projects in Africa.

Donate with PayPal
bottom of page