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Foundation for the Future 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden
Reclaiming Motherhood – For Women. For Children. For the Future.
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On 2–3 October 2026, FEFAF and our Swedish member organisation HARO will welcome members, researchers, advocates, practitioners and families to Stockholm, Sweden, for FEFAF’s annual gathering and the 5th International Conference on Family Policy & Early Childhood.
The FEFAF General Assembly will take place on Friday, 2 October, followed on Saturday, 3 October by the Foundation for the Future Conference – Reclaiming Motherhood. Reclaiming MotherhoodThe conference will explore important questions surrounding motherhood, caregiving, parental choice and the future of families. Motherhood and the essential work of caring for children are often given limited recognition in policy discussions. The conference seeks to bring the value of care and the perspectives of mothers and families more clearly into the conversation. We believe that care has value, motherhood has value, and genuine freedom of choice must include the right to care for one's own children. The conference will focus on four key themes:
Stephen J. Shaw – data scientist and creator of the documentary Birthgap Erica Komisar – psychoanalyst and author, joining online from the United States Carolina Allen – founder of Big Ocean Women Dr. Megor Ikuenobe – early childhood development specialist from Nigeria Virginia Tapscott – founder of Parents Work Collective and author of All Mothers Work Christina Tengstedt – Director of Hjem in Denmark The programme will also include personal reflections on motherhood and parental choice, as well as opportunities for international exchange and discussion. Launch of the Reclaiming Motherhood NetworkThe conference will also mark the official launch of the Reclaiming Motherhood Network, a new international initiative bringing together organisations committed to strengthening mothers and supporting families around the world. Practical information: FEFAF General Assembly Friday, 2 October 2026 Foundation for the Future Conference Saturday, 3 October 2026, 9:00–17:00 Venue: Ersta Konferens & hotell Erstagatan 1K, Stockholm, Sweden Conference registration is still open. To reserve your place, please contact madeleine.wallin(@)haro.se. Every child begins with a mother. Every society depends on the next generation. |
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Foundation for the Future 2026 in Helsinki, Finland
Parenting in Transition: How Do We Support Families with Children?
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On 23 September 2026, our member organisation Lapsiperheiden Etujärjestö ry (Lape) hosted the Foundation for the Future 2026 conference in Helsinki, Finland. It was the fourth Foundation for the Future event in the international series and the second to be held in Finland.
The conference brought together experts, researchers, policymakers and family organisations to discuss how children, parents and families can be better supported in a changing society. The programme focused on parenting, care, child development and the importance of family relationships, exploring what children and families need to thrive. The full conference recording is now available online: Watch the full conference on YouTube FEFAF was pleased to contribute a European perspective to the conference. FEFAF President Anne Fennell shared a video greeting highlighting the importance of recognising and supporting parents and carers at home across Europe, including mothers who choose to care for their children at home. Raúl Sánchez, Secretary General of ELFAC – European Large Families Confederation, also contributed a European perspective, addressing the experiences and needs of large families. The programme included a keynote by Finnish child psychiatrist Jari Sinkkonen and a panel discussion on supporting families, with Professor of Psychology Lea Pulkkinen, among others, taking part in the discussion. The conference also saw the presentation of the Foundation for the Future 2026 Declaration, “Parenting in Transition – How Do We Support Families with Children?” The Declaration continues the work of last year’s Care Manifesto, highlighting the importance of parenting, care and a safe and nurturing environment for every child. We are proud that our member organisation Lape is bringing these important discussions into the Finnish and European family policy debate. |
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FEFAF to Contribute to the UN World Summit for Social Development in Doha
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From European Experience to Global Impact: Exploring European Practices to Inform Global Policies That Link Family Well-Being With Social Inclusion and Sustainable Growth
The Second United Nations World Summit for Social Development will take place in Doha, Qatar, from 4 to 6 November 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the first summit held in Copenhagen in 1995. The event brings together global leaders, policymakers, and civil society to address major social challenges — including inequality, demographic change, and the future of work — under the shared goals of poverty eradication, social inclusion, and sustainable growth. As part of the summit, a solution session titled “From European Experience to Global Impact: Exploring European Practices to Inform Global Policies That Link Family Well-Being With Social Inclusion and Sustainable Growth” will be held online on 5 November 2025, from 9:30–11:00 CET (11:30–13:00 Doha time). This session, organized by Parents’ House Public Benefit Foundation (Hungary) in cooperation with HARO (Sweden), will highlight how strong family support systems and innovative early childhood policies contribute to social cohesion and sustainable development worldwide. The session will explore European experiences that link family well-being to social inclusion and sustainable growth, demonstrating how empowering parents and communities builds resilience and contributes to long-term demographic and economic stability. Participants will exchange ideas and best practices to inspire global policy recommendations that strengthen families as the cornerstone of sustainable development. Event: UN World Summit for Social Development 2025 – Doha (4–6 November) Solution Session: From European Experience to Global Impact – 5 November 2025, 9:30–11:00 CET (11:30–13:00 Doha time) Event details: social.desa.un.org/world-summit-2025 Session information: szulokhaza.hu/solutionsession FEFAF is proud to contribute to this international dialogue, ensuring that family well-being and caregiving are recognised as central pillars of inclusive and sustainable social development. |
FEFAF will play an active role in the discussion:
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Foundation of the Future Conference Brought Together Finnish Family Organisations
The Foundation of the Future conference was held in Helsinki, Finland, at the Citizens’ Info of the Parliament Annex, in cooperation with the European Federation of Parents and Carers at Home (FEFAF), Lapsiperheiden Etujärjestö ry, and the Parliamentary Group for the Child. The event continued the dialogue started earlier this year in London and was also streamed online.
The conference gathered policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors to discuss the importance of care and family in building a sustainable future. Speakers shared a clear and united message: families and care are the foundation of wellbeing and a resilient society.
The conference gathered policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors to discuss the importance of care and family in building a sustainable future. Speakers shared a clear and united message: families and care are the foundation of wellbeing and a resilient society.
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Keynote Speakers and Contributions
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Launch of the Care Manifesto
The conference culminated in the launch of the Care Manifesto, jointly prepared by FEFAF, Lapsiperheiden Etujärjestö ry, and Professor Lea Pulkkinen. The Manifesto calls for care work to be recognised as the foundation of society, for families to have real freedom of choice in childcare, and for unpaid care to be valued as essential work. It challenges policymakers across Europe to place care, attachment, and family wellbeing at the centre of social and economic policy. The Manifesto calls for care work to be recognised as the foundation of society, for families to have real freedom of choice in childcare, and for unpaid care to be valued as essential work. It challenges policymakers across Europe to place care, attachment, and family wellbeing at the centre of social and economic policy. Panel Discussion and Finnish Organisations Following the launch, a panel discussion brought together representatives from major Finnish family and research organisations: Väestöliitto, the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL), the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the Finnish Multiple Births Association, the Finnish Parents’ League, and the Itla Children’s Foundation, which also generously sponsored the live streaming of the event. The panel discussed the themes of the Care Manifesto. They highlighted the need to strengthen support for families, increase recognition for the role of parents, and view care as a human right – not merely a financial cost. 🎥 Watch the full conference recording: Foundation of the Future – YouTube 🎤 Individual speeches: Lapsiperheiden Etujärjestö ry YouTube Channel 📖 Read more: The Care Manifesto |
FEFAF General Assembly Reaffirms Leadership and Welcomes a New Board Member
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FEFAF held its General Assembly in Helsinki as a hybrid meeting at the Oodi Central Library, following the Foundation of the Future conference. The Assembly confirmed the continuity of FEFAF’s leadership while also welcoming a new member to the Board.
Anne Fennell (United Kingdom) continues as President, Katalin Balla (Hungary) as Vice President, and Roberta Fabritius (Finland) was elevated to the role of Second Vice President. The Board also welcomes Sara Squassina (Italy) as a new Board member. Sara is the President of MOICA – Movimento Italiano Casalinghe, and a long-time advocate for recognising unpaid and invisible care work. Her expertise brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to advancing the rights of caregivers and families across Europe. In addition, Madeleine Wallin (Sweden) continues as General Secretary, and Régine Peynsaert (Belgium) as Treasurer, ensuring continuity and strong collaboration within the FEFAF leadership team. Together, the renewed FEFAF Board remains dedicated to ensuring that families and care are recognised as the foundation of a humane and sustainable Europe. |
Photo: The General Assembly brought together representatives from across Europe, both online and in person. From left: Marta-Christina Suciu (Romania), Ingvild Segersam (Sweden), Roberta Fabritius (Finland), Madeleine Wallin (Sweden), Anne Fennell (United Kingdom), Régine Peynsaert (Belgium), and Katalin Balla (Hungary).
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The Care Manifesto Published – Time for Families and Care
The Care Manifesto has been officially published, calling for a renewed societal and political focus on care and families.
Launched in Helsinki, Finland, at the Foundation for the Future Conference in September 2025, the manifesto challenges policymakers across Europe to recognise the true value of care as the foundation of a sustainable and humane society.
For too long, economic growth and workforce participation have been prioritised over the wellbeing of children, parents, and the elderly. The Care Manifesto calls for a shift in policy to place families and caregiving at the centre of social and economic development.
It envisions a future where families are supported, caregiving is valued as essential work, and every child grows up in an environment of love and security. The manifesto also presents key policy recommendations on parental leave, childcare funding, the recognition of unpaid care work, and genuine freedom of family choice.
Supporting families is not a cost — it is an investment in the future.
Read the full document: The Care Manifesto
Launched in Helsinki, Finland, at the Foundation for the Future Conference in September 2025, the manifesto challenges policymakers across Europe to recognise the true value of care as the foundation of a sustainable and humane society.
For too long, economic growth and workforce participation have been prioritised over the wellbeing of children, parents, and the elderly. The Care Manifesto calls for a shift in policy to place families and caregiving at the centre of social and economic development.
It envisions a future where families are supported, caregiving is valued as essential work, and every child grows up in an environment of love and security. The manifesto also presents key policy recommendations on parental leave, childcare funding, the recognition of unpaid care work, and genuine freedom of family choice.
Supporting families is not a cost — it is an investment in the future.
Read the full document: The Care Manifesto
Foundation for the Future (Finland Sep 2025)
The Importance of Parenting and Care in Early Childhood
“The earliest years of a child’s life set the foundation for their future.”
Are we laying the foundations that enable children to live successful, fulfilling lives with strong relationships? Does public policy truly align with children’s real needs? And what are those needs?
Time: Friday, 26th September 2025, 12:00–15:00 (coffee served from 11:30)
Location: Citizens’ Hall, the Little Parliament Annex (Pikkuparlamentti), Arkadiankatu 3, Helsinki
Live Stream: The event can be watched at www.youtube.com/@LapsiperheidenEtujarjestory
Stream Sponsor: Itsenäisyyden juhlavuoden lastensäätiö (Itla)
Download programme: programme.pdf
“The earliest years of a child’s life set the foundation for their future.”
Are we laying the foundations that enable children to live successful, fulfilling lives with strong relationships? Does public policy truly align with children’s real needs? And what are those needs?
Time: Friday, 26th September 2025, 12:00–15:00 (coffee served from 11:30)
Location: Citizens’ Hall, the Little Parliament Annex (Pikkuparlamentti), Arkadiankatu 3, Helsinki
Live Stream: The event can be watched at www.youtube.com/@LapsiperheidenEtujarjestory
Stream Sponsor: Itsenäisyyden juhlavuoden lastensäätiö (Itla)
Download programme: programme.pdf
Foundation for the Future (London Feb 2025)In collaboration with Civitas, FEFAF convened the international conference Foundation for the Future, held at the House of Lords and Civitas headquarters. The conference aimed to spark a broader conversation on early childhood and family policy in Europe and the UK, emphasizing that children’s developmental needs must not be overlooked in the pursuit of economic growth and parental workforce participation.
Highlights and Key Contributions:
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Alliance for Responsible CitizenshipAnne and Madeleine attended the ARC conference, joining 4,000 participants from 96 countries. They engaged in inspiring discussions and personal meetings with influential figures, including Erica Komisar and Ian Rowe, author of Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for ALL Children.
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Promoting Labour Market Participation of Parents with Young Children across the EU
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The symposium fostered in-depth exchanges on policy solutions to balance family needs and workforce participation. A central topic was the EU’s Barcelona target: by 2030, 45% of children under three and 96% of children aged three to school entry should be enrolled in childcare. We questioned the evidence underpinning these targets – was it good for children. No evidence could be cited. It highlights how policies are being implemented without understanding of the effects on children.
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November 2024 Anne & Madeleine representing FEFAF travelled to Budapest to participate in a networking meeting with European family organizations. Coordinated by KINCS, a research organization specializing in family policy and demography, the meeting aimed to exchange experiences and strategies to strengthen the role of families and promote sustainable family policy across Europe. |
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Activity Report April 2023 - Nov 2024
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We are happy share FEFAF's activity report which highlights key activities and engagements from April 2023 to February 2025, reflecting our ongoing efforts to promote family values and parental support on national and international platforms. From high-profile conferences and panel discussions to collaborative meetings with influential leaders and organizations, our work continues to foster meaningful dialogue and drive initiatives that emphasize the importance of family, motherhood, and societal well-being.
Photo: In September 2023 Madeleine Wallin and Anne Fennel established contact with James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics. Heckman expressed support for collaboration on emphasizing the economic importance of motherhood. |
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| activityreport_fefaf.pdf |
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Conference Brescia
We are happy to announce FEFAFs 40 year anniversary. We are proud of the women who started this organization and we do our best to continue the good work.
In April we celebrated with a conference in Brescia, Italy. One of the founders, Tina Leonzi, is from Brescia so it felt special to have our celebration here. We have listened to speeches about unpaid caregiving work, the history of FEFAF and Invisible work day.
We are happy to announce FEFAFs 40 year anniversary. We are proud of the women who started this organization and we do our best to continue the good work.
In April we celebrated with a conference in Brescia, Italy. One of the founders, Tina Leonzi, is from Brescia so it felt special to have our celebration here. We have listened to speeches about unpaid caregiving work, the history of FEFAF and Invisible work day.
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FEFAF at the United Nations in March 2019FEFAF hosted a parallel event at CSW, with the title: "The First Line of Defense: Attachment & Maternal Economies Are the Ultimate Social Protection System" Watch all three talks here:
Caroline Höglund, Haro (Photo below) Madeleine Wallin, F.E.F.A.F Carolina Allen, Big Ocean Women 
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