70th ICCFR Annual Conference
by International Commission on Couple and Family Relations (ICCFR)
The 70th ICCFR Annual Conference, organized by the International Commission on Couple and Family Relations (ICCFR), will take place from May 28 to May 30, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium. This milestone event focuses on the theme "Bridging Cultures, Building Families: Exploring the Dynamics of Multicultural Families," aiming to provide insights into how multicultural families navigate relationships, support systems, and policy frameworks.
Key topics include the impact of globalization and socio-cultural changes on family systems, the challenges and opportunities presented by superdiversity and migration, and the application of international conventions to families on the move, including bicultural families. Sessions will feature esteemed speakers such as Prof. Marie-Claire Foblets, Prof. Dirk Geldof, and Philippe Lortie, offering cross-cultural and international perspectives on family resilience.
The conference offers practical opportunities for networking through workshops, panel discussions, and an exclusive guided tour of the MigratieMuseumMigration. Attendees will engage with professionals from various disciplines, enhancing their understanding of multicultural family dynamics and support mechanisms.
This event is ideal for professionals in psychology, family law, social services, and related fields who work with diverse families. Participants will benefit from inspiring keynote addresses, gain valuable information, and engage in stimulating discussions on innovative international approaches to couple and family services.
Speakers(9)
Birsen Taspinar
Kathleen Emmery
Director at Kenniscentrum Gezinswetenschappen
Kathleen Emmery leads the Kenniscentrum Gezinswetenschappen and teaches family sciences at Campus Schaarbeek, bringing deep experience in research and education.
Kim Lecoyer
Lawyer and Specialist in Intercultural Psychology and Religion
Kim Lecoyer investigates conflict and mediation in Belgian Muslim families and trains professionals on diversity and dialogue.
Philippe Lortie
First Secretary at Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)
Philippe Lortie oversees key instruments including the 1980 Child Abduction, 1996 Child Protection, 2000 Protection of Adults, and 2007 Child Support Conventions.
Prof. Angela Abela
Professor at University of Malta
Prof. Abela collaborates on research concerning globalization and its effects on families.
Prof. Bahira S. Trask
Professor at University of Delaware
Prof. Trask specializes in globalization and families, providing insights into how global trends impact family dynamics.
Prof. Dirk Geldof
Sociologist and Senior Researcher at University of Antwerp & Odisee
Prof. Geldof is an expert on superdiversity, migration, and refugees, and author of 'Superdiverse Flanders' and 'Superdiversity: How Migration Transforms Society'.
Prof. Marie-Claire Foblets
Director, Department of Law & Anthropology at Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology
Prof. Foblets is a Belgian legal scholar and anthropologist renowned for her work on migration, legal pluralism, and the interaction between law and culture. She has directed the Department of Law & Anthropology at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology since 2012.
Silke Peeters
Researcher
Silke Peeters researches bi-cultural relationships and Cohousilience, completing her second Master’s in Sociology with a focus on social data science.
Event Details
- Date
- May 28-30, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Family Studies, Campus Odisee, Avenue Huart Hamoir 136, 1030 Brussels (Schaerbeek)
- Pricing
- £100 - £130
- Audience
- Professionals in psychology, family law, social services, and related fields working with diverse families.
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