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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28/4, 1070 Wien, Austria; ZVR: 182012940;
www.weltfriede.at