Lansford Addresses United Nations on Global Megatrends Affecting Families

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Jennifer Lansford, S. Malcolm Gillis Distinguished Research Professor of Public Policy and director of the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, spoke at the United Nations on Monday, offering insights into four megatrends shaping families worldwide: technology, demographic shifts, urbanization and migration, and climate change.

“It was a privilege to be able to speak at the United Nations regarding four megatrends identified by the UN as affecting families worldwide: climate change, technology, demographic shifts, and urbanization and migration,” Lansford said. “The Center for Child and Family Policy produced reports on how each of these megatrends is affecting families and made policy recommendations for how to improve the wellbeing of families in the face of these megatrends.”

Dr. Lansford’s research focuses on the development of aggression and other behavior problems in youth, with an emphasis on how family and peer contexts contribute to or protect against these outcomes. She examines how experiences with parents—such as physical abuse, discipline, and divorce—as well as peer relationships like rejection and friendships, shape children’s behavioral development. Her work also explores how adolescent peer groups influence behavior and how cultural contexts moderate the links between parenting and children’s adjustment.

Through her leadership at the Center for Child and Family Policy, Lansford has helped advance research that informs policy solutions aimed at strengthening the well-being of children and families. Her expertise and commitment to evidence-based policy continue to position Duke Sanford at the forefront of global conversations on family policy and child development.

Lansford’s remarks at the United Nations come as the Center for Child and Family Policy marks its 25th year, celebrating a legacy of research and engagement that has shaped policies to improve the lives of children and families worldwide.

You can read more about CCFP's 25 years here.