A very warm welcome to pro-family thinkers, decision-makers to Budapest, Hungary, where we believe there is no future without strong families.

The Budapest Demographic Summit is the forum where politicians, church leaders, experts, representatives of the media, corporate sector and science meet every two years since 2015 to discuss the main issues affecting families. Today, some claim that environmental challenges are caused by starting families and having children. They perceive having children is damaging. Some think sustainability and family are incompatible. Therefore, this year’s summit is focusing on demography and sustainability.

Is it worth discussing sustainability if not enough children are being born? What does science say and what is being broadcasted in the media? What role ideology plays in the assessment of families and environmental protection? Are the challenges African nations face caused by the high birth rate or the lack of infrastructure? What can Europe do in times of the demographic crisis? These and many similar issues will be raised in this year’s summit.

In Hungary, the community’s fundamental building block is family. The Hungarian government, which has been in office since 2010, has pursued a family-friendly policy, entailing countless measures not only standing by family values, but supporting the starting of new families, protecting traditional values and providing opportunities for a fulfilling, happy family life for all citizens.

Sustainability today is a key issue, as humankind leads a wasteful and environmentally harmful lifestyle in many respects. We again would like to live together with nature in harmony, paying due regard to our community values.

The preservation of our created world also entails the conservation of our homes, our homeland and our culture for the generations to come, for our children and grandchildren. For a healthier, more sustainable and more self-aware lifestyle, we need to take forward the older generations’ life experiences, we need to make sure that our children are healthy, and that we have morally and financially strong families. We learn the most important values at home. How we live as adults are first and foremost a result of the spiritual, intellectual and moral upbringing, which is provided by the family.

Although we still have plenty to do, Hungary has already shown signs of success, as the fertility rate and the number of marriages have risen here the most in Europe, while the number of divorces and abortions are decreasing. Hungary’s family policy results also sparked interest among other states, more and more countries are curious, meanwhile, we are also actively looking for a way to learn more through international best practices.

Today, the traditional family is being attacked and questioned by many. This is why this year’s Budapest Demographic Summit IV. is more relevant than ever. Our goal is to create a platform where it is possible to jointly reflect on issues and share experiences in order for us to be able to leave a thriving nation that carries forward family values and protects the environment for our children.

I wish you a fruitful discussion.

PROGRAM AND INFORMATION: https://budapestidemografiaicsucs.hu/en

REGISTRATION: https://budapestidemografiaicsucs.hu/en/registration