May 15 - International Day of Families

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that May 15 of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families. The day reflects the importance that the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world. 

Although families all over the world have transformed greatly over the past decades in terms of their structure and because of global trends and demographic changes, the United Nations still recognizes the family as the basic unit of society. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them. It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, this day is an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families.

Activities on the International Day of Families include workshops and conferences, radio and television programs, newspaper articles and cultural programs highlighting relevant themes.

2019 Theme: “Families and Climate Action: Focus on SDG 13

The 2019 observance focuses on families, family policies and major SDG 13 targets:

• SDG 13 target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
• SDG 13 target 13.2: integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Source The United Nations