Family Institute Signs Pact With UN's Arab Body

Doha, July 13 (QNA) - Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), member of Qatar Foundation (QF), Monday said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nation's Population Fund, the Arab States Regional Office (UNFPA-ASRO). The MoU provides framework to collaborate in areas of common interest, specifically Arab family issues, QF said. The signatories will engage civil society to raise awareness on family, Gender Based Violence (GBV), child or early marriage, women's empowerment, involve men and stakeholders through policy and advocacy. UNFPA Regional Director of Arab States Said Mohamed Abdel-Ahad said, "The partnership will use UNFPA's international experience and DIFI's research capacity and regional outreach to technically support DIFI's flagship report on the 'State of Arab Family'. "The DIFI study is based on the lessons learned and best practices from UNFPAs 'State of the World Population' report; transferring experiences from a global to a regional level." DIFI Executive Director Noor Al Malki Al-Jehani said, "The MoU will provide opportunities to build capacity, exchange and transfer best practices, research and studies. It will provide a framework for working with UNFPA on joint projects and advocacy that will enhance the role of both organisations." The DIFI supports QF's to contribute to human development and productive change while promoting Qatar's transformation into a successful knowledge-based economy. UNFPA-ASRO cooperates and assists governments in population policies and development strategies. It has expertise in reproductive health, gender issues, Arab family GBV, and population. (QNA)