The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Families is annually observed across the globe on May 15 to celebrate the importance of families and highlight their role in society.
- The day aims to raise awareness about the social, economic, and demographic changes that impact families worldwide.
International Day of Families 2023 was observed on 15th May 2023 under the theme “Demographic Trends and Families”.
Background:
i. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution 44/82 in 1989 and proclaimed the year 1994 as the “International Year of the Family”.
ii. In 1993, UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/47/237 titled “International Year of the Family” and declared May 15 of every year as the International Day of Families.
iii. The 1st ever International Day of Families was observed on 15th May 1994.
30th Anniversary of International Year of the Family-2024:
i. As part of the preparations for the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024 (IYF+30), the 2023 observance of the International Day of Families focuses on the megatrend of demographic change and its impact on families.
ii. The event is to share current knowledge about demographic trends, such as,
- ageing, and intergenerational solidarity;
- facilitate the analysis of their impacts on family life;
- recommend family-oriented policies that respond to the needs of families around the world.
Demographic Trends and Families:
i. The world’s population has reached 8 billion people by the end of 2022.
ii. It described as a “milestone in human development” by the UN Secretary-General, is an example of how significant improvements in health have increased human lifespans.
iii. It is projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 in 2100 rising concerns about the prospects of sustainable urbanization and management of climate change.
iv. One of the most significant megatrends affecting the world and the lives and well-being of families everywhere is demographic change. Demographic trends are mostly shaped by fertility and mortality patterns.
Events 2023:
The event for International Day of Families 2023 includes:
- Launch of the Background Paper on “The Impact of Demographic Trends on Families”.
- Presentation of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)’s report titled “World Social Report 2023: Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World”.
Key Points:
i. In 2019, the global life expectancy at birth was 72.8 years, an increase of about 9 years since 1990.
- Nearly 12% of the global population will be 65 or older by 2030.
- The average life expectancy is projected to be around 77.2 years old by 2050.
ii. In urban regions, approximately 23% of people (or more than 1 billion people) live in slums.
iii. According to the UN, a growth of 1% in an urban population increases the incidence of slums by 5.3% in Asia and 2.3% in Africa.
About the United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General- António Guterres
Headquarters- New York, USA
Establishment- 1945
