International Day of Families: It is observed on 15th May across the globe to spread awareness about the importance of families and the role of the international community in the development of families. Let us read more about the International Day of Families, history, the theme of 2021 and how is it celebrated worldwide.

It is observed annually by the United Nations across the globe on 15 May. The day highlights the importance of families. The UN focuses on some important issues that are central to the well-being of families across the world like health, education, children's rights, gender equality, work-family balance, and social inclusion among others.

Family makes us feel secure, it gives us a feeling of having someone in life with whom we can share our problems, etc. And also it means to have respect for each other and responsibility.

International Day of Families not only promotes the importance of a healthy and well-balanced family but also enhances knowledge of the economic, demographic, and social processes that affect the families. This day is also celebrated by the Universal Peace Federation because they consider family as the miniature of a global community.

It is rightly said that family is the first lesson in relationships with others.

SDG 13 targets

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, the annual observances of the International Day of Families focused on the role of families and family policies for the achievement of SDGs 1-5 and SDG16. This year's observance focuses on SDG13 that is Climate Change.

The main goal of the event is to focus on SDG 13 target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaption, impact reduction, and early warning.

The target of SDG 13.2 is to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

International Day of Families: History

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of the Families in its resolution 44/82 of 9 December, 1989.  The General Assembly in 1993 decided in a resolution (A/RES/47/237) to observe 15 May every year as The International Day of Families. The main aim of reasserting these goals is to showcase the determination of the United Nations to encourage people for better living standards and social progress of families worldwide. The day focuses to modify economic and social structures that affect the stability and structure of family units in various parts of the world.

How is International Day of Families celebrated?

Several events are organised at local, national, and international levels like workshops, seminars, policy meetings for public officials, exhibitions, etc. In workshops and seminar discussions on the annual theme for encouraging people, some educational campaigns are also launched for the public to strengthen and support family units. Even tool kits are also generated in some countries to help people in organising celebrations and focus on a particular section of the population like school children, young adults, college-going, etc. This year it is celebrated online.

What is the reason behind celebrating the International Day of Families?

The main purpose of celebrating the International Day of Families is to make people understand the importance of family and its value. Also, it is necessary to highlight the issues that affect families worldwide. This day also shows that the global community reflects the significance of the families as primary units of the society and raise their concern according to the situation worldwide.

Some issues related to the circumstances of the families are also highlighted. No doubt this day also inspired several countries in the world, over the years to generate their own family days or awareness events that are based on the community to bring attention to family issues.

Source: www.un.org