Conference on Family Values Planned in Toronto

Franco Famularo
April 20, 2012

Toronto, Canada -- UPF-Canada will hold a joint conference with the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) in Toronto on June 9 at the Don Valley Hotel in Toronto in support of the UN International Day of Families. The theme is Promoting Strong Family Values as a Foundation for a Peaceful Nation.

Building on themes emphasized during previous conferences that have focused on faith, family, service, and peace, it was decided to focus this year's gathering on strengthening the family as the foundation for peace in support of the International Day of Families promoted each year by the United Nations.

The family in Canada is undoubtedly experiencing continual evolution as the cultural, religious, and ethnic composition of family life is enhanced by the arrival of new immigrants. In addition, the challenges of intercultural marriages, the declining birth rate, and the aging population are issues of common concern. The conference will explore some aspects of the impact of this process as it affects the expression of cultural and religious values through social encounters.

Keynote Speaker: Hon. Inyumba Aloisea
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion -- Rwanda

Session I: Restoring the broken family

Moderator – Mr. Mitch Dixon – Director, UPF-Central Canada

Hon. David Kilgour
Former Cabinet Minister – Canada

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish
Founder, Daughters of Life – Author

Rev. Darryl Gray
Senior Pastor – Imani Family and Full Gospel Church -- Montreal

Session II: The challenges of inter-religious/intercultural families

Moderator – Mr. Alan Wilding – Director, UPF-Western Canada

Mr. Armand La Barge
Former Chief of Police – York Region – Ontario

Mrs. Raheel Raza
Author – Diversity Consultant – Interfaith Advocate -- Toronto

Mr. Franco Famularo
Secretary General – UPF-Canada

Session III: The influence of women in establishing strong families

Moderator – Mrs. Eveline Stewart – Director, WFWP-Toronto

Hon. Jean Augustine
Fairness Commissioner – Ontario, Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament -- Canada

Hon. Inyumba Aloisea
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion -- Rwanda

Mrs. Lilly Tadin
President – WFWP-Canada

The Canadian chapters of the Universal Peace Federation and the Women's Federation for World Peace share common goals through developing networks of individuals, organizations, and Ambassadors for Peace committed to all aspects of peace through promoting dialogue, education, and service. Both organizations seek to bring civil society solutions to critical local and global problems. Educating for Peace conferences can make a significant contribution to the building of a world of lasting peace. Educating for peace starts in the family.

For more information email Franco Famularo.