H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, Vice-Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, emphasised the vital role of the family as the foundation of society. On the occasion of the International Day of Families, H.H. Sheikha Mariam said, “We are reminded of the profound meaning of the first home, a space that nurtures the individual from the very beginning and instils the values that shape one’s identity, sense of responsibility, and belonging. The family is not only the heart of society; it is also its source of strength, balance, and stability.” Reaffirming the UAE’s long-standing belief that strong families are the foundation of a strong society, Sheikha Mariam underscored the country’s continued efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development through family empowerment. “Every step taken to support and empower families is a step toward more inclusive and sustainable development,” she noted. Sheikha Mariam added that the UAE is committed to fostering a family-oriented environment that enhances quality of life, promotes role balance, and strengthens social cohesion within households. This, she said, enables families to thrive and meet the evolving challenges of the modern world. Her Highness concluded by stating, “This occasion reaffirms the importance of nurturing strong family ties and upholding the values of compassion, responsibility, and solidarity, ensuring that families remain the source of our strength, the anchor of our unity, and the foundation from which we build a more prosperous and thriving future.”