Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome! Today marks the beginning of the fifth World Congress of Families.
You've gathered here in Amsterdam from every corner of the globe to reflect on a
truly wonderful theme: empowering families.
As the Dutch Minister for Youth and Families, I'd like to wish you every
success with this!
Families are the foundation of society. This holds true in every society: in
the Netherlands and in China, in Kenya and in the United States. Every era and
each nation faces its own unique issues and new challenges. That's why it's so
critical that we continually revisit the topic of 'families.'
Family policy is a top priority in the Netherlands. For the first time in our
history, the Dutch government has appointed a Minister for Youth and Families,
and I am greatly honoured to serve in this position.
Broadly speaking, family policy in the Netherlands consists of three main
pillars:
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Giving families more time together.
One example is providing parental leave.
Another is encouraging flexibility in the workplace so that parents can more
easily balance family and working life.
-
Investing in families.
For instance, by providing specific child benefits, and by taking measures
to significantly reduce the social exclusion experienced by underprivileged
children.
-
Supporting parents in raising their children.
For example, through our Youth and Family Centres, where parents can seek
out answers to their parenting and relationship questions.
By addressing these questions at an early stage, we hope to prevent problems
from escalating.
Although there may be different opinions on certain aspects of government
policy concerning family issues, I'm sure you'll all agree with me that families
need space, in more than one sense. The best foundation we can give our children
is a stable, safe and loving family.
As a member of the Dutch government I feel responsible for the protection and
support of children living in any form of family structure. I am aware of the
outspoken views on the family that many of your organizations have. That's why I
want to challenge you to build bridges on the topic of how to live together in a
plural society with differing views on the family.
Over the next few days, you'll be exploring many aspects of family life from
a variety of angles, all culminating in the central theme of 'Challenges and
Hope for the Future.'
Indeed, children and loving families are our future, and therefore our hope as
well.
I wish you an inspiring, productive, and engaging congress! | 
