Rhodes Forum - World Public Forum "Dialogue of Civilizations"

Family: Origins and Future of Civilizations

The contradiction between population growth in the countries that has recently become economic leaders and population reduction in developed countries that face severe social and cultural problems related to the substitution of titular ethnic groups is quite typical is a distinctive feature of the present world. The population growth as a fundamental factor for the development of specific civilizations and the whole world cannot be categorically identified and socially valued.

Civilizational cultural peculiarities are fully and comprehensively preserved by family, a basic element of the social system. Family life determines the most significant features of economic tools and governance structures of any country. The current crisis of values may be explained by underestimated family status in various fields of public life (education, law, politics, etc.) breaking links between generations and deteriorating public relationship.

The issues related to the enforcement of family values, the protection of maternity, paternity and childhood become urgent when the patterns of global development are discussed. The development of institutional tools of family policy, the exchange of opinions and experience in the implementation of specific programs will become the main target of the round table that will gather prominent political and public leaders, major experts in social and family issues from over 10 countries.

Main Vectors of Discussion:

• Peculiarities of perception and semantic features of the definition of "family” in different civilizational and cultural patterns;
• Current family relationship and demographic situation: East and West;
• Family in future: from civilizational identity crisis to traditional family values;
• Regional programs supporting families, maternity and childhood: implementation and problem solving.