Cairo, September 02 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the 11th International Conference of Egypt's Dar Al Ifta and the General Secretariat for Fatwa Houses and Authorities Worldwide, which opened Wednesday in Cairo for two days under the theme "Family Challenges Amidst Major Transformations: A Fatwa-Based Approach to Protecting the Family, Envisioning its Future, and Preserving Identity".
Qatar was represented by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi; Assistant Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Khalid bin Shaheen Al Ghanem; and Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi.
In her address during the opening session, Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi said the conference comes at a critical moment as Arab and Muslim families face rapid transformations, making their protection and preservation of identity an existential issue requiring concerted efforts. She noted that Islam has established the family on solid foundations of affection and mercy.
She warned of unprecedented value-based and intellectual challenges that have entered societies, including the dilution of authentic concepts of identity, disruption of sound human nature, complex challenges posed by the digital environment and cyberspace, reluctance to marry, growing acceptance of divorce, and parenting-related challenges.
She added that studies and statistical evidence in the Arab region indicate that a large proportion of divorces occur during the early years of marriage, exceeding 40 to 50 percent in some countries.
In this regard, the Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute discussed the Institute's efforts to build a reliable body of scientific and social evidence on family issues in the Arab world.
She also highlighted a strategic partnership between the Institute and the Arab League to translate research evidence into practical tools with tangible impact, foremost among them the guideline for preparing those planning to marry.
Developed as an awareness and practical tool, it aims to build comprehensive family awareness that helps prevent value-based disengagement and family breakdown. 
She noted that the guideline will be launched with the Arab League on Nov. 4 and 5.
For his part, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said in statements to QNA that he is participating on behalf of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, which attaches great importance to family issues and examines them from a religious perspective, given the family's vital role in society.
He added that the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue organized a conference in Doha two years ago on the family and religions, and that the current conference builds on and reinforces the issues discussed at that event. Such conferences, he noted, provide opportunities to engage with scholars and Islamic thought leaders from around the world.
He stressed that all religions have encouraged supporting, empowering and properly establishing the family through the roles of fathers, mothers and children. 
He praised the organization of the conference by Egypt's Dar Al Ifta and the strong scholarly participation, which he said adds significant value to such events.
The conference aims to strengthen the role of fatwa and religious institutions in protecting the family and develop guidance and fatwa tools that combine Islamic foundations with awareness of current realities and anticipation of the future.
Its agenda covers issues related to the future of the family, including marriage and divorce, family guidance and preparation, social and cultural transformations, digital and technological impacts, parenting, and the preservation of identity and values.
The conference brings together muftis, ministers, scholars, religious leaders, academics, intellectuals and experts from around the world, along with public figures, officials and specialists concerned with family and social issues. (QNA)