Invitation

High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs Vienna, 13 June 2024 Practical Information Note

Content

1 General Information 3

1.1 Organisation 3

1.2 Date and Venue 3

1.3 Delegation Format 3

1.4 Registration and Accreditation 3

1.5 Badge and Access 3

2 Arrival, Departure and Transportation 4

3 Accommodation 4

4 Additional Information 4

4.1 Language regime 4

4.2 Medical and Emergency Services 4

5 Photography 5

5.1 Official Photographers 5

5.2 Photo Service 5

6 Contact Information – Federal Chancellery 5

Coordination 5

Protocol 5

Security 5

3

1 General Information This Practical Information Note provides delegations with information on the administrative and logistical

organisation of the High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs, which will take

place on 13 June 2024 in Vienna, Austria.

The information provided in this note may be subject to change and will be updated accordingly.

1.1 Organisation The conference hosted by the Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media, Ms. Susanne Raab,

is organised by the Austrian Federal Chancellery. Kindly note that no protocol assistance will be provided

outside the conference venue.

1.2 Date and Venue The conference will take place in Vienna, Austria, on 13 June 2024. The venue of the conference is Palais

Niederösterreich (Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna). Besides the conference, the programme also includes a side

programme for the high-level participants with an evening reception on 12 June and a visit to the Vienna

International Centre the same day as well as a visit to the Spanish Riding School following the conference on 13

June. We kindly ask you to inform us before visiting the Spanish Riding School if you have an animal hair allergy

or an allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”). For detailed information on the programme, please refer to the attached

concept note.

1.3 Delegation Format The format for the official delegations will be 1 + 1.

1.4 Registration and Accreditation The venue of the conference can only be accessed upon presentation of a valid accreditation badge. All dele-

gates participating in the conference must be accredited via an online accreditation-link. The link will be send to

a delegation-accreditation-officer (DAO) named by the delegation who is responsible to fulfil the accreditation

form for all delegates. Please send the contact information of your DAO (Name, Surname, Email-Adress, Phone

Number) to [email protected] until 11 April to receive the link and all further information. Accreditation needs to be

fulfilled until 3 June.

1.5 Badge and Access Each delegation will receive:

• 1 PIN for participating Ministers or State Secretaries or 1 red badge for other Heads of Delegation

• 1 red badge for accompanying persons

Please note that the badges are personalised, non-transferable and must be worn visibly at all times during the

conference.

Delegations may collect their PINS and badges upon arrival at the check-desk at the conference venue.

4

2 Arrival, Departure and Transportation Delegations arrive at and depart from the venue of the conference on 13 June 2024 individually. A shuttle service

will be provided for the visit to the Vienna International Centre on 12 June 2024.

Delegations are kindly requested to communicate the estimated times of arrival and departure at Vienna Airport

or the estimated date and time of the border crossings as well as detailed information on any accompanying

security officers (including weapons information if armed) via Note Verbale to the Protocol Department of the

Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

If you need any information regarding transportation from / to the airport, we are at the disposal of your

embassy for support.

3 Accommodation The Austrian Federal Chancellery will cover the accommodation for one night from 12 to 13 June 2024 for the

Head of Delegation and one more delegation member.

The rooms provided by the Federal Chancellery are reserved both at the Hotel Steigenberger Herrenhof

(Herrengasse 10, 1010 Vienna) and the Radisson Blu Style Hotel Vienna (Herrengasse 12, 1010 Vienna) which are

located in walking distance to the conference venue.

4 Additional Information 4.1 Language regime The working language of the conference is English only.

Upon reasoned request, Ministers and State Secretaries may be accompanied by a personal interpreter.

4.2 Medical and Emergency Services Ambulance 144

Police 133

Fire Brigade 122

European Emergency Number 112

5

5 Photography 5.1 Official Photographers Kindly list any official photographers accompanying your delegation on the registration form.

5.2 Photo Service Pictures of the conference will be provided free of charge by our photo service on the website

www.fotoservice.bundeskanzleramt.at.

6 Contact Information – Federal Chancellery Coordination Ms Regina Hartweg-Weiss

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 633 263

Mobile: + 43 664 83 12 893

Email: [email protected]

Protocol Mr Dominik Sedlitzky

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 202 389

Email: [email protected]

Security Mr Christian Mikulanec

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 202 167

Mobile: + 43 664 610 45 26

Email: [email protected]

Mr Marco Prayer (contact person at the venue)

Phone: + 43 11 531 15 202 437

Mobile: + 43 664 883 740 46

Email: [email protected]

Concept Note

The Austrian Federal Chancellery is organizing a Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs to

be held on 13 June 2024 in Vienna, as part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the International Year

of the Family.

“The family as a fundamental unit of society has the right to appropriate social, legal and economic protection to

ensure its full development” states the revised European Social Charter.

Family policy contributes a great deal to ensuring these rights, e.g. through social and family benefits and fiscal

arrangements.

The Conference “Importance of families in society” will focus on the central role that families and family policies play

in EU Member States. The Conference will provide a forum for the presentation of good practices in family policy

making. The aim is to to address the following questions:

• What is the situation of families in the EU?

• What are Member States doing to protect the rights of the family?

• What constitutes a family-friendly policy?

• Which measures have proven to be particularly effective in providing families with the best possible support?

Furthermore, Member States are invited to sign a declaration on creating the best possible conditions to enable and

promote family life. The text of the declaration will be circulated prior to the Conference.

High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs Vienna, 13 June 2024

Preliminary Programme

Wednesday 12 June 2024 From 15:00 * Cultural programme for delegations – visit to the Vienna International Centre

(Wagramer Strasse 5, 1220 Vienna)

19:00 – 21:00 Reception at the Federal Chancellery (Ballhausplatz 2, 1010 Vienna)

Thursday 13 June 2024 High-Level Conference at the Palais Niederösterreich (Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna)

08:15 – 09:00 Arrival

09:00 – 09:10 Welcome incl. Press and Camera Spray

09:10 – 09:20 Opening Speech by MMag. Dr. Susanne Raab, Austrian Federal Minister for Women,

Family, Integration and Media

09:20 – 09:45 Keynote Speech by a representative of the United Nations (tbc)

09:45 – 10:00 Signing of the Declaration

10:00 – 10:30 Press Conference Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:45 Working Session – Best Practices Policy debate: Member States are invited to exchange good practices in family policy.

11:45 – 12:00 Conclusion by MMag. Dr. Susanne Raab, Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family,

Integration and Media

12:00 – 12:15 Group Photo

12:15 – 13:45 Lunch

14:20 – 15:30* Cultural programme for delegations – special tour at the Spanish Riding School We kindly ask you to inform us before visiting the Spanish Riding School if you have an animal hair allergy

or an allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”).

* We apologise that we are currently unable to give an exact time.

More details will be provided after the registration closes on 11 April 2024.

bundeskanzleramt.gv.at

Susanne Raab Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media

+43 1 531 15-0 Minoritenplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria

H.E.

Ms. Signe Riisalo

Minister for Social Protection

of the Republic of Estonia

Invitation: High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for

Family Affairs – Vienna, 13 June 2024; reception and visit to Vienna

International Centre, 12 June 2024; special tour Spanish Riding School,

13 June 2024

Vienna, March 2024

Excellency,

the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of

the Family (IYF) in order to create awareness for the central role that families hold in

society. The thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30) offers an

opportunity to refocus on the importance of families and family policy making.

Families are an important part of society. They are one of the key agents for education,

security, social cohesion, development, protection, care and recovery. The main purpose

of family policy is to support families in fulfilling their numerous functions for the overall

benefit of society.

Families have changed over the past thirty years. Family life has become more complex.

Demographic, social and economic trends determine changes to families in Europe, such

as declining fertility rates, an advancing ageing population, increased international

migration and a rise in urbanization.

2 of 2

In light of these developments, it is my honour to invite you to a High-Level Conference of

European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs, which will take place in Vienna on 13

June 2024 (from 9:00 to 14:00).

The Meeting on the topic „Importance of families in society” will provide the opportunity

to discuss the central role that families hold within EU Member States. European Ministers

responsible for Family Affairs are invited to share good practices in family policy.

Furthermore, Member States are invited to sign a declaration on creating the best

possible conditions to enable and promote family life. The text of the declaration will be

circulated prior to the Conference.

Please note that the High-Level Conference is scheduled to commence on 12 June 2024

with an evening reception at 19:00 at the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

As Vienna is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations, a visit to the Vienna

International Centre will be offered on 12 June 2024, from 15:00. The cultural programme

will also include a special tour at the Spanish Riding School following the conference on 13

June 2024.

We kindly ask you to confirm your participation as early as possible, but no later than 11

April 2024. For further details, please refer to the attached practical information and the

concept note. The conference language is English.

For further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Department Family Policy (Ms

Regina Hartweg-Weiss, [email protected]) or the Protocol Department

([email protected]) of the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

I look forward to welcoming you in Vienna.

Yours sincerely,

Susanne Raab

High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs Vienna, 13 June 2024 Practical Information Note

Content

1 General Information 3

1.1 Organisation 3

1.2 Date and Venue 3

1.3 Delegation Format 3

1.4 Registration and Accreditation 3

1.5 Badge and Access 3

2 Arrival, Departure and Transportation 4

3 Accommodation 4

4 Additional Information 4

4.1 Language regime 4

4.2 Medical and Emergency Services 4

5 Photography 5

5.1 Official Photographers 5

5.2 Photo Service 5

6 Contact Information – Federal Chancellery 5

Coordination 5

Protocol 5

Security 5

3

1 General Information This Practical Information Note provides delegations with information on the administrative and logistical

organisation of the High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs, which will take

place on 13 June 2024 in Vienna, Austria.

The information provided in this note may be subject to change and will be updated accordingly.

1.1 Organisation The conference hosted by the Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media, Ms. Susanne Raab,

is organised by the Austrian Federal Chancellery. Kindly note that no protocol assistance will be provided

outside the conference venue.

1.2 Date and Venue The conference will take place in Vienna, Austria, on 13 June 2024. The venue of the conference is Palais

Niederösterreich (Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna). Besides the conference, the programme also includes a side

programme for the high-level participants with an evening reception on 12 June and a visit to the Vienna

International Centre the same day as well as a visit to the Spanish Riding School following the conference on 13

June. We kindly ask you to inform us before visiting the Spanish Riding School if you have an animal hair allergy

or an allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”). For detailed information on the programme, please refer to the attached

concept note.

1.3 Delegation Format The format for the official delegations will be 1 + 1.

1.4 Registration and Accreditation The venue of the conference can only be accessed upon presentation of a valid accreditation badge. All dele-

gates participating in the conference must be accredited via an online accreditation-link. The link will be send to

a delegation-accreditation-officer (DAO) named by the delegation who is responsible to fulfil the accreditation

form for all delegates. Please send the contact information of your DAO (Name, Surname, Email-Adress, Phone

Number) to [email protected] until 11 April to receive the link and all further information. Accreditation needs to be

fulfilled until 3 June.

1.5 Badge and Access Each delegation will receive:

• 1 PIN for participating Ministers or State Secretaries or 1 red badge for other Heads of Delegation

• 1 red badge for accompanying persons

Please note that the badges are personalised, non-transferable and must be worn visibly at all times during the

conference.

Delegations may collect their PINS and badges upon arrival at the check-desk at the conference venue.

4

2 Arrival, Departure and Transportation Delegations arrive at and depart from the venue of the conference on 13 June 2024 individually. A shuttle service

will be provided for the visit to the Vienna International Centre on 12 June 2024.

Delegations are kindly requested to communicate the estimated times of arrival and departure at Vienna Airport

or the estimated date and time of the border crossings as well as detailed information on any accompanying

security officers (including weapons information if armed) via Note Verbale to the Protocol Department of the

Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

If you need any information regarding transportation from / to the airport, we are at the disposal of your

embassy for support.

3 Accommodation The Austrian Federal Chancellery will cover the accommodation for one night from 12 to 13 June 2024 for the

Head of Delegation and one more delegation member.

The rooms provided by the Federal Chancellery are reserved both at the Hotel Steigenberger Herrenhof

(Herrengasse 10, 1010 Vienna) and the Radisson Blu Style Hotel Vienna (Herrengasse 12, 1010 Vienna) which are

located in walking distance to the conference venue.

4 Additional Information 4.1 Language regime The working language of the conference is English only.

Upon reasoned request, Ministers and State Secretaries may be accompanied by a personal interpreter.

4.2 Medical and Emergency Services Ambulance 144

Police 133

Fire Brigade 122

European Emergency Number 112

5

5 Photography 5.1 Official Photographers Kindly list any official photographers accompanying your delegation on the registration form.

5.2 Photo Service Pictures of the conference will be provided free of charge by our photo service on the website

www.fotoservice.bundeskanzleramt.at.

6 Contact Information – Federal Chancellery Coordination Ms Regina Hartweg-Weiss

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 633 263

Mobile: + 43 664 83 12 893

Email: [email protected]

Protocol Mr Dominik Sedlitzky

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 202 389

Email: [email protected]

Security Mr Christian Mikulanec

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 202 167

Mobile: + 43 664 610 45 26

Email: [email protected]

Mr Marco Prayer (contact person at the venue)

Phone: + 43 11 531 15 202 437

Mobile: + 43 664 883 740 46

Email: [email protected]

Concept Note

The Austrian Federal Chancellery is organizing a Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs to

be held on 13 June 2024 in Vienna, as part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the International Year

of the Family.

“The family as a fundamental unit of society has the right to appropriate social, legal and economic protection to

ensure its full development” states the revised European Social Charter.

Family policy contributes a great deal to ensuring these rights, e.g. through social and family benefits and fiscal

arrangements.

The Conference “Importance of families in society” will focus on the central role that families and family policies play

in EU Member States. The Conference will provide a forum for the presentation of good practices in family policy

making. The aim is to to address the following questions:

• What is the situation of families in the EU?

• What are Member States doing to protect the rights of the family?

• What constitutes a family-friendly policy?

• Which measures have proven to be particularly effective in providing families with the best possible support?

Furthermore, Member States are invited to sign a declaration on creating the best possible conditions to enable and

promote family life. The text of the declaration will be circulated prior to the Conference.

High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs Vienna, 13 June 2024

Preliminary Programme

Wednesday 12 June 2024 From 15:00 * Cultural programme for delegations – visit to the Vienna International Centre

(Wagramer Strasse 5, 1220 Vienna)

19:00 – 21:00 Reception at the Federal Chancellery (Ballhausplatz 2, 1010 Vienna)

Thursday 13 June 2024 High-Level Conference at the Palais Niederösterreich (Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna)

08:15 – 09:00 Arrival

09:00 – 09:10 Welcome incl. Press and Camera Spray

09:10 – 09:20 Opening Speech by MMag. Dr. Susanne Raab, Austrian Federal Minister for Women,

Family, Integration and Media

09:20 – 09:45 Keynote Speech by a representative of the United Nations (tbc)

09:45 – 10:00 Signing of the Declaration

10:00 – 10:30 Press Conference Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:45 Working Session – Best Practices Policy debate: Member States are invited to exchange good practices in family policy.

11:45 – 12:00 Conclusion by MMag. Dr. Susanne Raab, Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family,

Integration and Media

12:00 – 12:15 Group Photo

12:15 – 13:45 Lunch

14:20 – 15:30* Cultural programme for delegations – special tour at the Spanish Riding School We kindly ask you to inform us before visiting the Spanish Riding School if you have an animal hair allergy

or an allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”).

* We apologise that we are currently unable to give an exact time.

More details will be provided after the registration closes on 11 April 2024.

bundeskanzleramt.gv.at

Susanne Raab Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media

+43 1 531 15-0 Minoritenplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria

H.E.

Mrs. Riina Sikkut

Minister for Health

of the Republic of Estonia

Invitation: High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for

Family Affairs – Vienna, 13 June 2024; reception and visit to Vienna

International Centre, 12 June 2024; special tour Spanish Riding School,

13 June 2024

Vienna, March 2024

Excellency,

the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of

the Family (IYF) in order to create awareness for the central role that families hold in

society. The thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30) offers an

opportunity to refocus on the importance of families and family policy making.

Families are an important part of society. They are one of the key agents for education,

security, social cohesion, development, protection, care and recovery. The main purpose

of family policy is to support families in fulfilling their numerous functions for the overall

benefit of society.

Families have changed over the past thirty years. Family life has become more complex.

Demographic, social and economic trends determine changes to families in Europe, such

as declining fertility rates, an advancing ageing population, increased international

migration and a rise in urbanization.

2 of 2

In light of these developments, it is my honour to invite you to a High-Level Conference of

European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs, which will take place in Vienna on 13

June 2024 (from 9:00 to 14:00).

The Meeting on the topic „Importance of families in society” will provide the opportunity

to discuss the central role that families hold within EU Member States. European Ministers

responsible for Family Affairs are invited to share good practices in family policy.

Furthermore, Member States are invited to sign a declaration on creating the best

possible conditions to enable and promote family life. The text of the declaration will be

circulated prior to the Conference.

Please note that the High-Level Conference is scheduled to commence on 12 June 2024

with an evening reception at 19:00 at the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

As Vienna is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations, a visit to the Vienna

International Centre will be offered on 12 June 2024, from 15:00. The cultural programme

will also include a special tour at the Spanish Riding School following the conference on 13

June 2024.

We kindly ask you to confirm your participation as early as possible, but no later than 11

April 2024. For further details, please refer to the attached practical information and the

concept note. The conference language is English.

For further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Department Family Policy (Ms

Regina Hartweg-Weiss, [email protected]) or the Protocol Department

([email protected]) of the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

I look forward to welcoming you in Vienna.

Yours sincerely,

Susanne Raab

High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs Vienna, 13 June 2024 Practical Information Note

Content

1 General Information 3

1.1 Organisation 3

1.2 Date and Venue 3

1.3 Delegation Format 3

1.4 Registration and Accreditation 3

1.5 Badge and Access 3

2 Arrival, Departure and Transportation 4

3 Accommodation 4

4 Additional Information 4

4.1 Language regime 4

4.2 Medical and Emergency Services 4

5 Photography 5

5.1 Official Photographers 5

5.2 Photo Service 5

6 Contact Information – Federal Chancellery 5

Coordination 5

Protocol 5

Security 5

3

1 General Information This Practical Information Note provides delegations with information on the administrative and logistical

organisation of the High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs, which will take

place on 13 June 2024 in Vienna, Austria.

The information provided in this note may be subject to change and will be updated accordingly.

1.1 Organisation The conference hosted by the Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media, Ms. Susanne Raab,

is organised by the Austrian Federal Chancellery. Kindly note that no protocol assistance will be provided

outside the conference venue.

1.2 Date and Venue The conference will take place in Vienna, Austria, on 13 June 2024. The venue of the conference is Palais

Niederösterreich (Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna). Besides the conference, the programme also includes a side

programme for the high-level participants with an evening reception on 12 June and a visit to the Vienna

International Centre the same day as well as a visit to the Spanish Riding School following the conference on 13

June. We kindly ask you to inform us before visiting the Spanish Riding School if you have an animal hair allergy

or an allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”). For detailed information on the programme, please refer to the attached

concept note.

1.3 Delegation Format The format for the official delegations will be 1 + 1.

1.4 Registration and Accreditation The venue of the conference can only be accessed upon presentation of a valid accreditation badge. All dele-

gates participating in the conference must be accredited via an online accreditation-link. The link will be send to

a delegation-accreditation-officer (DAO) named by the delegation who is responsible to fulfil the accreditation

form for all delegates. Please send the contact information of your DAO (Name, Surname, Email-Adress, Phone

Number) to [email protected] until 11 April to receive the link and all further information. Accreditation needs to be

fulfilled until 3 June.

1.5 Badge and Access Each delegation will receive:

• 1 PIN for participating Ministers or State Secretaries or 1 red badge for other Heads of Delegation

• 1 red badge for accompanying persons

Please note that the badges are personalised, non-transferable and must be worn visibly at all times during the

conference.

Delegations may collect their PINS and badges upon arrival at the check-desk at the conference venue.

4

2 Arrival, Departure and Transportation Delegations arrive at and depart from the venue of the conference on 13 June 2024 individually. A shuttle service

will be provided for the visit to the Vienna International Centre on 12 June 2024.

Delegations are kindly requested to communicate the estimated times of arrival and departure at Vienna Airport

or the estimated date and time of the border crossings as well as detailed information on any accompanying

security officers (including weapons information if armed) via Note Verbale to the Protocol Department of the

Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

If you need any information regarding transportation from / to the airport, we are at the disposal of your

embassy for support.

3 Accommodation The Austrian Federal Chancellery will cover the accommodation for one night from 12 to 13 June 2024 for the

Head of Delegation and one more delegation member.

The rooms provided by the Federal Chancellery are reserved both at the Hotel Steigenberger Herrenhof

(Herrengasse 10, 1010 Vienna) and the Radisson Blu Style Hotel Vienna (Herrengasse 12, 1010 Vienna) which are

located in walking distance to the conference venue.

4 Additional Information 4.1 Language regime The working language of the conference is English only.

Upon reasoned request, Ministers and State Secretaries may be accompanied by a personal interpreter.

4.2 Medical and Emergency Services Ambulance 144

Police 133

Fire Brigade 122

European Emergency Number 112

5

5 Photography 5.1 Official Photographers Kindly list any official photographers accompanying your delegation on the registration form.

5.2 Photo Service Pictures of the conference will be provided free of charge by our photo service on the website

www.fotoservice.bundeskanzleramt.at.

6 Contact Information – Federal Chancellery Coordination Ms Regina Hartweg-Weiss

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 633 263

Mobile: + 43 664 83 12 893

Email: [email protected]

Protocol Mr Dominik Sedlitzky

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 202 389

Email: [email protected]

Security Mr Christian Mikulanec

Phone: + 43 1 531 15 202 167

Mobile: + 43 664 610 45 26

Email: [email protected]

Mr Marco Prayer (contact person at the venue)

Phone: + 43 11 531 15 202 437

Mobile: + 43 664 883 740 46

Email: [email protected]

Concept Note

The Austrian Federal Chancellery is organizing a Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs to

be held on 13 June 2024 in Vienna, as part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the International Year

of the Family.

“The family as a fundamental unit of society has the right to appropriate social, legal and economic protection to

ensure its full development” states the revised European Social Charter.

Family policy contributes a great deal to ensuring these rights, e.g. through social and family benefits and fiscal

arrangements.

The Conference “Importance of families in society” will focus on the central role that families and family policies play

in EU Member States. The Conference will provide a forum for the presentation of good practices in family policy

making. The aim is to to address the following questions:

• What is the situation of families in the EU?

• What are Member States doing to protect the rights of the family?

• What constitutes a family-friendly policy?

• Which measures have proven to be particularly effective in providing families with the best possible support?

Furthermore, Member States are invited to sign a declaration on creating the best possible conditions to enable and

promote family life. The text of the declaration will be circulated prior to the Conference.

High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs Vienna, 13 June 2024

Preliminary Programme

Wednesday 12 June 2024 From 15:00 * Cultural programme for delegations – visit to the Vienna International Centre

(Wagramer Strasse 5, 1220 Vienna)

19:00 – 21:00 Reception at the Federal Chancellery (Ballhausplatz 2, 1010 Vienna)

Thursday 13 June 2024 High-Level Conference at the Palais Niederösterreich (Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna)

08:15 – 09:00 Arrival

09:00 – 09:10 Welcome incl. Press and Camera Spray

09:10 – 09:20 Opening Speech by MMag. Dr. Susanne Raab, Austrian Federal Minister for Women,

Family, Integration and Media

09:20 – 09:45 Keynote Speech by a representative of the United Nations (tbc)

09:45 – 10:00 Signing of the Declaration

10:00 – 10:30 Press Conference Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:45 Working Session – Best Practices Policy debate: Member States are invited to exchange good practices in family policy.

11:45 – 12:00 Conclusion by MMag. Dr. Susanne Raab, Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family,

Integration and Media

12:00 – 12:15 Group Photo

12:15 – 13:45 Lunch

14:20 – 15:30* Cultural programme for delegations – special tour at the Spanish Riding School We kindly ask you to inform us before visiting the Spanish Riding School if you have an animal hair allergy

or an allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”).

* We apologise that we are currently unable to give an exact time.

More details will be provided after the registration closes on 11 April 2024.

bundeskanzleramt.gv.at

Susanne Raab Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media

+43 1 531 15-0 Minoritenplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria

H.E.

Ms. Signe Riisalo

Minister for Social Protection

of the Republic of Estonia

Invitation: High-Level Conference of European Ministers responsible for

Family Affairs – Vienna, 13 June 2024; reception and visit to Vienna

International Centre, 12 June 2024; special tour Spanish Riding School,

13 June 2024

Vienna, March 2024

Excellency,

the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of

the Family (IYF) in order to create awareness for the central role that families hold in

society. The thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30) offers an

opportunity to refocus on the importance of families and family policy making.

Families are an important part of society. They are one of the key agents for education,

security, social cohesion, development, protection, care and recovery. The main purpose

of family policy is to support families in fulfilling their numerous functions for the overall

benefit of society.

Families have changed over the past thirty years. Family life has become more complex.

Demographic, social and economic trends determine changes to families in Europe, such

as declining fertility rates, an advancing ageing population, increased international

migration and a rise in urbanization.

2 of 2

In light of these developments, it is my honour to invite you to a High-Level Conference of

European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs, which will take place in Vienna on 13

June 2024 (from 9:00 to 14:00).

The Meeting on the topic „Importance of families in society” will provide the opportunity

to discuss the central role that families hold within EU Member States. European Ministers

responsible for Family Affairs are invited to share good practices in family policy.

Furthermore, Member States are invited to sign a declaration on creating the best

possible conditions to enable and promote family life. The text of the declaration will be

circulated prior to the Conference.

Please note that the High-Level Conference is scheduled to commence on 12 June 2024

with an evening reception at 19:00 at the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

As Vienna is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations, a visit to the Vienna

International Centre will be offered on 12 June 2024, from 15:00. The cultural programme

will also include a special tour at the Spanish Riding School following the conference on 13

June 2024.

We kindly ask you to confirm your participation as early as possible, but no later than 11

April 2024. For further details, please refer to the attached practical information and the

concept note. The conference language is English.

For further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Department Family Policy (Ms

Regina Hartweg-Weiss, [email protected]) or the Protocol Department

([email protected]) of the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

I look forward to welcoming you in Vienna.

Yours sincerely,

Susanne Raab