The Global Pact of Family Associations at the G7 in Matera. The document promoted by the National Forum of Family Associations and by FAFCE
From Azione Cattolica Italiana:
Women’s freedom in economics, care giving, demography, sustainable development and social inclusion. These are the themes of the document ” Family7 Demands to Build an Intergenerational, Solidary, Resilient and Sustainable Society ” (attached) that Adriano Bordignon, president of the National Forum of Family Associations , and Vincenzo Bassi, president of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (Fafce ), delivered to Minister Eugenia Roccella in her capacity as president of the G7 Ministers for Equal Opportunities . The summit is scheduled in Matera from 4 to 6 October on the topic of gender equality and female empowerment. The intention is to underline how fundamental the role of the family is for all these aspects. And to invite the G7 leaders to implement all the most appropriate and effective strategies to guarantee intergenerational solidarity.
“An important contribution has come from the F7. Both on the front of equal opportunities and on the closely related issues of family and demography”, stated Minister Roccella. “Female empowerment, and in particular the freedom of women to be able to fulfill themselves according to their aspirations, without perceiving career and motherhood as alternative options, is a fundamental key to the challenges we face”.
Bassi: Geopolitical stability and peace need families
Speaking to the press, while expressing satisfaction for the positive reception of the document, Vincenzo Bassi, president of Fafce, stressed: «It is the first time that a common document has been drawn up between family associations at a global level. Adding: «We know that the very existence of our communities, not to mention their strength and cohesion, requires a strengthening of family policies, since the family is the basic cell of society».
Regarding the hope for peace that the family can bring during the discussions of the next G7, he stressed: «Without recognition of the function of the family as an essential pillar of our societies, geopolitical stability and peace are also in danger. As the family goes, so does society. In particular, family networks have a central function in maintaining peace. Since families are the natural place of reconciliation and forgiveness».
In recent years, Fafce’s priority has been the demographic crisis. This has led to a culture of loneliness and generational imbalance: “The function of the family is clearer in the context of the disastrous demographic winter. The collapse of births and the increasing aging of society – Bassi noted – have a fundamental impact on finances, pension systems and social cohesion. The response must prioritize intergenerational solidarity, which begins through the family. Stronger families will help current and future generations prepare for a more sustainable future”.
Bordignon: Global policies for the family are needed
Adriano Bordignon, president of the Forum of Family Associations, highlighted how: «In a historical moment in which demographic challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, it is necessary to increase awareness of the centrality of the family. The Italian presidency of the G7 can become a precious opportunity to create an international platform aimed at catalyzing attention on this crucial issue». Hence the need for international recognition of the function of the family. For Bordignon: «An essential pillar of our societies, also considering that demographic issues and the protection of equal opportunities concern every nation on the planet. In this regard – he added – family associations can provide a concrete example to prove the protagonism of the family and family networks».
This is why we need global policies that take into account these factors that can help create more inclusive and sustainable communities. “Supporting families, in fact – concluded the president of the Forum – should not be considered as a cost but as a public investment. Because it is the best way to ensure a sustainable future. Families are the cornerstone of every society. They guarantee the transmission of values, the growth of future citizens and constitute the first nucleus of social support. But at the same time they are a strategic factor for the economies of different countries. However, too often policies do not take into account their real needs. It is therefore essential to create an international alliance that puts families at the center of economic and social strategies”.