In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 15 the "International Day of Families." The UN motto for 2026 – "Families, Inequalities and the Best Interests of Children" – underscores the inextricable link between strong families and the well-being of children. The UPF Austria, the Family Federation for World Peace, and the Austrian Women's Federation addressed this theme on May 30th 2026 in Vienna with a conference entitled "Family – School of Love: Strong Families, Happy Children." The UN motto for 2026 underscores that strong families and the well-being of children are inextricably linked. The event brought together an international audience of 120 people and speakers from a variety of backgrounds (David Wurzer, President of the Family Federation for World Peace Austria; Ulli Ehrgott, Chairperson of the Vienna NGO Committee on the Family; Christian Ebner, Chairman of the Christian Free Union party and Marinela Stefanc, Secretary General of UPF Austria) who discussed the value of family in an increasingly complex world.

In his welcoming address, Peter Haider, President of UPF Austria, referred to the United Nations' motto for the 2026 International Day of Families and emphasized that family-oriented measures should promote healthy child development, as families are central to the development of our society, our nations, and ultimately, our human family.

   

The Family as the Nucleus of Society (David Wurzer): Drawing on personal memories of his childhood breakfast table, Mr. Wurzer emphasized that the family is the nucleus of society - the place where people first learn trust, patience, and selfless love. Since we do not choose our family, we practice a love there that goes beyond mere sympathy. As a father in an intercultural marriage, he experiences daily how differences and conflicts can be learning opportunities; what children learn on a small scale within the family is what society needs on a larger scale. His conclusion: Peace does not begin in conference rooms, but at the breakfast table.

Family, Violence, and Generations (Ulli Ehrgott): Family gives people identity and security and forms the foundation for social cohesion. In her presentation, the speaker highlighted key challenges facing modern families: managing rising performance pressure, bearing heavy financial burdens, balancing career with childcare. Furthermore, there is the sensitive issue of domestic violence, primarily affecting women and children, in addition to care of the elderly, which often remains hidden for a long time. Her central plea: When young and old treat each other with respect and understand differences as complementary, the strength that holds families and our society together is created.

        

As a cultural interlude, a combination of three songs from the musicals “Oliver Twist”, “The Secret Garden” and “Annie”, were sung by Kirsten Wendeborn and two children. It addressed movingly the topic of children becoming orphans as victims of war. A short message by author and filmmaker Joshua Sinclair provided a backdrop to the seriousness of this topic.

Rethinking Family Policy (Christian Ebner, MA): The representative of the Christian Free Democratic Union (CDU) presented the demands he is politically committed to: a family policy based on three pillars: better recognition of contributions within families, less government intervention, and an end to the economic disadvantages faced by parents. Specifically, he advocated for automatic pension splitting and lower taxes for parents. Transferable tax allowances within the family should also provide relief for young people, so that the desire to have children does not have to be postponed for too long.

    

Family as a School of Love & Bridge of Peace (Marinela Stefanc, MA): Family is the first place where people experience love and learn fundamental values, such as patience and compassion, the "school of love." Children who grow up in trust carry these values into society and thus contribute to peace. The speaker described intercultural marriages as vibrant bridges between nations: harmony can arise from differences, and love proves stronger than borders and historical conflicts.

A Vietnamese dance, performed by Mai Cuc Moine, addressed the spirit leading to reunification of her home country after the war. 

     

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the "True Family Award" to couples who, through their long-term partnerships, embody the value of marriage and family. This year's recipients were couples from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Syria. The award medal, whose ribbon encircles both spouses, symbolizes the couple's unbreakable bond.

Following the conclusion of the event, a buffet offered an opportunity for conversation and communication and a chance to make new acquaintances and rekindle old friendships.

        

Universal Peace Federation - Familienföderation für Weltfrieden - Österreichische Frauenföderation

 

UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations

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