Under the auspices of the Tunisian Minister of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly, a four-day international meeting of SOS Children's Villages kicked off in the city of Hammamet on September 26, 2026. The meeting brings together representatives from 28 SOS Children's Villages associations across various continents, along with members of the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages' international council. The gathering is attended by officials from Tunisia's Ministry of Family and Women, as well as representatives from the ministries of education, social affairs, and religious affairs.
In her opening speech, Minister of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly, Asma Al-Jabri, expressed her delight in hosting this high-level international meeting in Tunisia. The meeting's theme carries a profound message: "Every child has the right to a home." Al-Jabri emphasized that Tunisia has prioritized the protection of childhood and care for orphaned children through a clear national policy that guarantees children's rights and provides care and support.
The minister highlighted that Tunisia has constitutionally enshrined and reinforced its commitment to protecting childhood through a comprehensive legal and institutional framework. This framework has established children's rights and outlined mechanisms for their protection and support, making the state, family, and civil society partners in this responsibility. The Tunisian SOS Children's Villages association, established in 1981, operates under an agreement between the Tunisian government and the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages.
Al-Jabri commended the success of the Tunisian SOS Children's Villages association, which has had a tangible impact on the lives of thousands of children and families through its care and family support services. She noted that the meeting presents an opportunity not only to exchange experiences but also to emphasize Tunisia's willingness to enhance cooperation, partnerships, and benefit from international experiences in addressing new challenges facing childhood.
The minister revealed that during her meeting with the President of the International Council of SOS Children's Villages, Domenico Barizzi, during his recent visit to Tunisia, they emphasized the importance of cooperation, exchanging expertise, and developing partnerships in protecting childhood. The Tunisian SOS Children's Villages association has been encouraged to continue engaging with its regional environment and sharing its experience and expertise with Arab and African countries.
The meeting's discussions will focus on supporting families, care, accompaniment, prevention, and developing programs for children and youth. Al-Jabri concluded by stating that protecting childhood is a shared responsibility and that investing in children is an investment in the future of societies. She added that cooperation among countries, associations, and international institutions can create a real and sustainable impact.
The four-day meeting will continue until September 29, 2026, and will provide a platform for SOS Children's Villages associations to share their experiences, best practices, and challenges. The event aims to strengthen partnerships and cooperation among SOS Children's Villages worldwide and to promote the well-being and protection of children and families.
Key points
- Tunisia hosts international SOS Children's Villages meeting to enhance cooperation and partnerships in protecting childhood.
- The meeting brings together representatives from 28 SOS Children's Villages associations across various continents.
- The Tunisian government has prioritized the protection of childhood and care for orphaned children through a clear national policy.
