FFWPU South London, UK's Celebration of UN International Day of Families

T he family is a union woven together through love, companionship, kindness, compassion and support” – these words eloquently spoken by Dr Zohra Zaidi perfectly articulated why we should celebrate the family in a special commemoration of the UN self-sacrifice are vital in achieving harmony and setting a good example for children. She warned against the prevalence of materialistic values, saying that such a way of life will “not take you to heaven”, and asserted that the nuclear family should be the central institution that can International Day of Families. Nearly 50 participants bring all nations together in peace. gathered at the Peace Embassy, Thornton Heath, London The participants had the chance to break into small on 20 May 2023 to join an event co-hosted by the discussion groups and reflect on the themes of the talks Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Women’s given by the speakers, addressing topics including Federation for World Peace (WFWP). The two featured bridging the divide between the older and younger speakers, Dr Zaidi and Dr Nicola Bailey, offered their generations, and managing the impact of technology on deep insights on the importance of key values that enable communication within the family. The group leaders families to thrive and prosper amid the modern challenges summarized the contributions from their members in of materialism and all-pervasive technology that impact short reports, especially highlighting the importance of so many areas of our lives. celebrating special occasions together, open and honest Dr Bailey stated that our jobs as parents are about communication within a framework of mutual respect, providing opportunities for our children to grow and learn making each family member feel valued, and passing on so that they become confident, well-rounded, sociable wisdom down through the generations. individuals making healthy, happy relationships with Several awards were presented to individuals for their others, and to do that they need connectedness, empathy dedicated and selfless efforts in various fields. and self-confidence. The vast amounts of time spent on- Ambassador for Peace awards were presented by Lance screen threatens the balance versus face-to-face and Gardiner (UPF South London coordinator) to Sally physical contact which is needed for children to develop Becker for her humanitarian work in helping to save the these qualities. She posed a series of questions related to lives of children in numerous conflicts, and to Tony the degrees of on-screen time, face-to-face interaction Rucinski for his active efforts with the Coalition for with friends, engagement with other hobbies, and time Marriage organisation. Dolores Read (WFWP South spent with family that can be used to evaluate whether London chairperson) recognised Frederick Clarke for his this balance should be adjusted for individual families. work with Mighty Men of Valour with a special Dr Zaidi emphasized that the foundation for family life Appreciation Award in commemoration of the 31st should be respect, love and care between husband and Anniversary of the Women’s Federation’s founding. wife, and that they should navigate the ups and downs as if riding the waves of the sea. Patience, compromise and

The programme was very ably coordinated by the Master UK house builders. He closed the proceedings by of Ceremonies, Adrian Lee, who introduced the dedicating a toast in celebration of the family as the background behind the UN day and the official 2023 school of love and cornerstone of peace in our theme of “Demographic Trends and the Family” communities, nations and world. After the formal designated by the United Nations. An architect by programme concluded, the participants heartily enjoyed profession, he noted that multi-generational living is a each other’s company with sandwiches and refreshments. positive trend that provides significant opportunities for