#Italy #Rome #Global Summit #World Vision #STAR Network

STAR Network Foundation to Sponsor Global Summit 2026

The STAR Network Foundation has proudly announced its sponsorship of the Global Summit 2026: Fostering Hope for Children, which is set to take place from June 3 to June 5, 2026, at the prestigious Pontificium Patristicum Augustinianum in Rome. This significant event is co-hosted by World Vision International and the Society for Global Flourishing, with contributions from esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, Baylor University, Claremont Graduate University, and Gallup.

The Summit aims to unite diverse scholars, faith leaders, and policymakers to tackle a crucial question: What conditions enable children, along with their families, to truly flourish? As the global community increasingly recognizes the vital link between childhood well-being and adult recovery, STAR Network’s involvement represents over two decades of fostering community-led, peer-driven recovery infrastructures.

A Foundation Rooted in Healing

The STAR Network has cultivated a network focusing on survivors of Toxic Abusive Relationships (STARs) through initiatives like the TAR Anon® fellowship, which spans across over 60 countries. This program operates five times a week at no financial cost to participants, delivering resources and support worldwide.

Dr. Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, the founding executive director of STAR Network Foundation, emphasized the essential connection between children's well-being and adult healing. “Children flourish in the families surrounding them, and those families thrive when the adults within them have avenues to heal,” she said. This perspective is firmly supported by three decades of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

The Summit will align its discussions with the flourishing framework developed by Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program. This framework is instrumental in the Global Flourishing Study, a longitudinal project monitoring over 200,000 participants across 22 nations. At the Summit, World Vision International plans to introduce the Hope and God's Love Measure, a validated tool assessing child well-being, created in collaboration with Harvard and Duke University.

A Notable Lineup of Attendees

The summit promises a series of impactful sessions and discussions. Highlights will include:

• - An Audience with Pope Leo XIV, providing a unique spiritual perspective on the summit's themes.
• - Insights from H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, on women's role in child development.
• - Engaging remarks from Rima Salah, PhD, Chair of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium, focusing on the critical importance of peace in nurturing children's growth.
• - A special address by Edgar Sandoval, Sr., President and CEO of World Vision U.S., emphasizing global charitable efforts.
• - The Light of Love charity concert featuring renowned artist Sinach, aimed at raising awareness and funds.

John S. Hamel, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Board at the STAR Network Foundation, stated, “When first ladies, faith leaders, humanitarians, and key university representatives gather in Rome for the flourishing of children, it demands global attention. The Global Summit 2026 transforms concepts of hope, dignity, and love into actionable measures.”

STAR Network Foundation's Commitment

The STAR Network Foundation stands as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating open, community-based pathways to healing for those affected by toxic relationships. By offering trauma-informed recovery resources through TAR Anon® and gathering at the annual Scars to STARs Day Summit, they strive to make healing accessible to anyone in need, anywhere in the world.

For more information and registration details for the Global Summit 2026, please visit globalsummit2026.vfairs.com. Join the movement to empower families and foster a brighter future for children across the globe!