The International family Forum was held in Istanbul on 22-23 May 2025 under the theme of “Protecting and Strengthening the Family in a Globalizing World.” Regina Maroncelli, vice president of ELFAC, talked about how to create family-friendly environments.
Going from a total fertility rate of 2,19 in 2015 to today’s 1.51, Turkey is becoming aware of the global trend of denatality and tries to understand reasons and strategies to face an unprecedent scenario.
The Forum aimed to bring together stakeholders to promote the empowering of the family and build an international platform to establish a common stance on the protection of the institution of the family according the Universal Declaration of Human rights.
The Forum was also the opportunity for Ministers to exchange good practices and listen to civil society demands. In particular , Elfac – the only European family association invited – had the opportunity to talk about the needs and values of large families, while presenting the European Network of family friendly municipalities.
“Extended families could be the solution to the demographic crisis” – Regina Maroncelli, vice president of ELFAC
Regina Maroncelli, vicepresidente of Elfac and coordinator of the Network, spoke of the demographic challenges Europe is facing, and their consequences: depopulation, aging, brain drain and loneliness. Supporting large families and creating family friendly environments both in municipalities and at work, would help to fight depopulation, attract and retain young people and families with children. That is the reason why Elfac has funded the European Network of family friendly Municipalities, providing a platform to exchange good practices and knowledge on family policies. And hope for the future of local territories.
Maroncelli noted that extended families can play a significant role in the future of societies, saying, “Extended families often lack social support and are sometimes even stigmatized. However, extended families can be a solution to the demographic crisis and play a crucial role in the future of society.”
Maroncelli noted that they established a network of family-friendly municipalities and that through this initiative they encouraged local governments to develop family-centered policies, adding that 160 municipalities from 10 countries have joined this network so far. She stated that local governments can strengthen social capital by focusing on family policies, and that this can also prevent the migration of the young population.
Maroncelli, noting that Türkiye has not yet faced a demographic problem as severe as that in Europe, but that a similar process could occur in the future, said, “If we establish a social structure that supports families and encourages having children, it is possible to change this trend.”
Family-friendly cities also contribute to the economy
Maroncelli emphasized that family-friendly cities not only increase prosperity but also contribute to economic growth, saying, “Where children and families are, the economy thrives. Therefore, urban planning, transportation, health, and education policies should be family-centered.”
Highlighting the family-friendly cities implemented in various parts of Europe, Maroncelli said, “Some practices are zero-cost, even small steps like special parking spaces for mothers or free open-air cinemas in the summer months help families come together and increase the sense of belonging.”
Maroncelli argued that for cities to succeed in implementing family policies, local governments must fully commit to the issue. “This is only possible if the mayor and city council have a family-focused vision,” he said. “Families must be included in the process, their opinions must be sought, and we must act together.”
The vice president of ELFAC told that they are working to establish a “family-friendly companies network” following the “family-friendly municipalities network,” and that they aim to have the private sector also assume responsibility with this initiative: “We can only provide an environment where young people want to live and work if local governments and the business world act together.”