The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Families is annually observed across the globe on 15th May to raise awareness and highlight issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families.
- 15th May 2024 marks the observance of the International Day of Families 2024.
- The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (1994).
Theme:
The theme of International Day of Families 2024 is “Families and Climate Change”.
i.The 2024 theme will focus on ‘Families & Climate Change: International Year of the Family + 30’.
ii.The 2024 theme aims to raise awareness of climate change impacts on families and highlights the crucial role families play in climate action through education, information access, training, and community participation.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution in 1989 and proclaimed the year 1994 as the International Year of the Family.
ii.In 1993, the UNGA adopted the resolution (A/RES/47/237) deciding that, beginning in 1994, 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families.
iii.The 1st ever International Day of Families was observed on 15 May 1994.
2024 Events:
i.Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the International Day of Families event featured the presentations on the outcomes of major regional IYF+30 preparatory activities, civil society initiatives, recommendations on family policies for climate action, and an interactive discussion.
ii.Two publications titled “Climate Change and Families” and “Home, Family, and Climate Change” will be unveiled during the event.
- Climate Change and Families is the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) background paper underscores the importance of families in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering sustainable values across generations.
- Home, Family, and Climate Change: Understanding the power of home to transform societies in the face of climate emergency is a study resulted from the DISD/DESA collaboration with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in England, the United Kingdom (UK), and the Home Renaissance Foundation. It focuses on reducing household carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, addressing public health, consumption, remote work, and climate resilience.
iii.The Division for Inclusive Social Development of UN DESA organized Expert Group Meeting and consultations with stakeholders concerning the preparations for the IYF+30.
