The International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) made a significant impact at the latest edition of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Annual Conference, held in Bellevue, Washington (USA). Represented by Alex Vázquez, Director of International Relations, and Ignacio Socias, Advocacy Talent Acquisition, IFFD participated in key discussions on resilience, family science, parenting evidence, and collaboration opportunities with researchers and academics from across North America and beyond.
The NCFR Annual Conference, renowned as a leading gathering for family researchers, educators, and practitioners, centered this year on “Resilience in Families: Research and Practice for Changing Times.” The event provided a platform for exploring cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and advancing solutions to the challenges facing families globally.
Focus on Resilience and Parenting Evidence
IFFD’s presence emphasized the importance of resilience in strengthening families and communities. Alex Vázquez, in particular, contributed to discussions on how evidence-based parenting programs can empower families to navigate adversity. “Building resilient families requires both scientific evidence and practical tools. Events like this allow us to bridge research with real-world applications,” said Vázquez.
Spotlighting Young Researchers
The conference spotlighted emerging scholars, providing a forum for young researchers to present innovative studies. Ignacio Socias engaged with several early-career academics, emphasizing IFFD’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent in the field of family science. “Young researchers bring fresh perspectives and energy to our field. Supporting their growth is critical for the future of family development,” Socias remarked.
Global Collaboration Opportunities
IFFD leveraged the conference to build relationships with academics and institutions across North America and internationally. The networking sessions facilitated dialogues on cross-border collaborations, particularly in developing and sharing resources for family resilience and parenting education.
One of the conference’s highlights was the opportunity for IFFD representatives to discuss the latest trends in family science with global experts. These discussions reinforced IFFD’s mission to foster collaboration and exchange best practices for improving family well-being.
Looking Ahead
The insights gained from the conference will shape IFFD’s ongoing projects and initiatives. With a focus on resilience, evidence-based parenting strategies, and academic collaboration, the organization continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in family development.
As the NCFR prepares for its next annual conference in 2025, the participation of organizations like IFFD underscores the importance of shared knowledge and international cooperation in addressing the evolving needs of families worldwide.
For more details on NCFR and future events, visit NCFR’s official website.
