Regions Affairs Committee
In reference to Decision No. 443, dated 20/10/1437 H, on the establishment of the Family Affairs Council, which seeks to strengthen the status and role of the Saudi family, the Council sought to maximize its impact by identifying the developmental needs of the family in all regions of the Kingdom, shedding light on its reality and challenges, and incorporating same into its plans and orientations. The family committees in the regional councils were established following a directive issued by the His Royal Highness the Ministry of Interior via Telegram No. 217787, dated 20/09/1439 H, to the governors of the various regions. The committees shall be responsible for identifying the challenges faced by families in the various regions, and presenting appropriate recommendations and solutions to the regional council for discussion with the concerned parties. Vision: To empower families and strengthen their developmental role in the various regions of the Kingdom. Mission: Achieving excellence in programs and services that empower families and stakeholders, in order to strengthen their role in a vibrant society, and build complementary initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of families, children, women and the elderly. The Family Affairs Council-Regional Council Work Mechanism: The Council seeks to address the developmental needs of the family through the various regional authorities that are directly and indirectly related to family affairs. The relationship between the Family Affairs Council and the Regional Council is a partnership built on common objectives and concerns, particularly given that the Law of Regions aims to increase the level of administrative and developmental work in various regions, maintain peace and order, and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, within the framework of the laws and legislations in effect in the Kingdom and the Sharia provisions. This can be achieved through the following: The General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council communicates plans, objectives and strategies to the regional family affairs committees. The General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council examines the proposals and recommendations adopted by the regional family affairs committees to align them with family plans and strategies and share them with the relevant authorities. A semi-annual meeting for the chairmen of the family affairs committees is held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council to discuss the plans and strategies adopted by the Council and address their compatibility with the issues and concerns of families across all regions of the Kingdom. The committees will participate in the Annual Family Forum organized by the General Secretariat, be means of working papers or lectures, or by hosting the Forum in the region under the patronage of the Chairman of the Regional Council. Committee Affiliation: The committee is affiliated directly with the Chairman of the Regional Council, to whom it shall present its topics, issues and proposals. The chairman of the committee is affiliated with the General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council, in order to unify and coordinate efforts. The chairman of the committee is a member of the Regional Council. Objectives and Functions of the Family Affairs Committee in the Regional Council Objectives of the Committee Identifying and overcoming the challenges facing families in the region and its provinces. Communicating with the General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council – at the national level – to keep abreast of updates on development projects and strategic plans. Supporting the preparation studies and consultations that aid in family affairs in the region and its provinces. Proposing family-focused initiatives, programs and partnerships across the region and its provinces. Monitoring all family affairs in the region and submitting periodic reports to the Family Affairs Council. Workflows of the Committee: The regional family affairs committee has nine main workflows compatible with the Council strategy, which seeks to achieve the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. They also aim to activate community partnerships with the private and third sectors to contribute to social development. The workflows include: Functions of the Committee: Informing the Regional Council of the strategic goals and national functions of the Family Affairs Council, in order to include its objectives into the plans and programs of the relevant authorities in the region. Informing the Regional Council of the regulations and legislations pertaining to family affairs. Proposing the introduction of effective methods for identifying the issues and obstacles faced by families in the region. Identifying needs and providing studies and proposals on family development in the region. Adopting social awareness programs in the region to highlight the importance of family issues, develop ways to address them, and communicate same with the General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council. Discussing ways of cooperation with the relevant authorities. Preparing a report on the results of the periodic meeting of the chairmen of the regional family affairs committees with the General Secretariat of the Family Affairs Council, and applying performance indicators to achievements (or lack thereof), with explanations of the shortcomings and solutions at the level of the region and its provinces. Activating community partnerships with the private and third sectors in the service of family affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Regional Entities Related to Family Affairs: The Governor and Deputy Governor of the Region The Regional Council Local Councils Ministry and Government Branches Civil Society Academics and Specialists The Private Sector The Third Sector