From 21 to 24 May, UIC Barcelona hosted the international workshop “Youth, Life Paths and the Family Project”, bringing together researchers, academics and international experts from the International Network of University Family Institutes (REDIUF) and the Latin American Network of University Family Institutes (REDIFAM) to reflect on the challenges young people face today in building a family project, in a context marked by social, economic and relational uncertainty.
As a collaborating organisation of both networks, WUCWO was represented at this important event by its Board Member for Spain, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and strengthening the family from an international perspective.
The workshop focused on the impact that today’s climate of uncertainty has on younger generations, particularly regarding access to employment, housing and personal stability. Economic insecurity, uncertainty about the future and the fragility of relationships are creating increasingly fragmented life paths characterised by constant transitions, making it more difficult for many young people to envision and establish a stable family life.
In response to these realities, the workshop provided a space for interdisciplinary reflection and dialogue on accompanying young people and families, as well as on the need to promote academic, social and family-based initiatives capable of responding to today’s challenges. Participants took part in several working groups following the synodal method of Conversations in the Spirit, fostering listening, discernment and the exchange of experiences.
The programme also included the public event “Young People’s Life Paths and the Family Project”, featuring two distinguished international speakers. Philosopher and writer Fabrice Hadjadj, Director of the Institut Incarnatus Est, delivered the lecture “The Family Beyond Projection”, while child neuropsychiatrist and couples therapist Mariolina Ceriotti explored issues relating to personal identity, emotional maturity and the challenges many young people encounter when facing commitment and family life.
The final day included the General Assemblies of REDIUF and REDIFAM, during which the new executive boards were elected. Alejandra M. Planker (Argentina) was elected President of REDIUF, and Ana Lucía Unda (Ecuador) was elected President of REDIFAM.
The workshop was also attended by Prof. Gabriella Gambino, Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, who encouraged participants to continue strengthening collaborative networks as a response to today’s challenges. WUCWO is especially grateful for her words of appreciation for our organisation, highlighting our work as an example of fruitful collaboration.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening this international network of cooperation and with an invitation to all participants to meet again at the next Assembly, which will be held in Colombia in 2028.
Susana Fernández Guisasola
WUCWO Board Member – Spain
