About 700 experts from 44 countries are meeting in Rome, starting today, to discuss ways to promote family unity and improve the social, political, and economic conditions of families around the world.

Participants at the 17th international meeting on the family will sign a declaration that has already been approved by family policy organizations on all five populated continents. After its signing, the Rome Declaration on Family Rights and Responsibilities will be presented to the United Nations.

The two-day conference was organized by the International Federation for Family Development. Discussion will focus on family policies in various areas; combining work and family; education of children; the family and economic development.