2018 International Day of Families
- In 1993, the United Nations adopted a family day on May 15, with the aim of raising awareness of
family issues and improving the capacity of States to resolve and address family-related problems.
- Today is an important occasion to promote awareness and better understanding of the social,
economic and demographic processes that affect this important unit of society.
- The celebration of the International Day of Families focuses on the role of the family and policies
directed at it in promoting education and well-being, especially in early childhood and lifelong learning
opportunities for children and youth, and this year focuses on the goal of sustainable development for
the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
- The purpose of this event is to discuss the importance of knowledge and skills of the crisis to
promote sustainable development, through education to reach the goals of sustainable development,
sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality and the promotion of a culture of peace and non-
violence.
The 2018 observance of the International day of Families focuses on Sustainable Development Goal
16 relating to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
The approaches to family policies for inclusive societies vary around the world. In some regions
emphasis is placed on social inclusion of various types of families and/or individuals such as migrant
or indigenous families, ethnic minorities or families with persons with disabilities. In other regions
primary emphasis is placed on social protection for vulnerable families to facilitate their full inclusion
in the mainstream of society. As approaches vary, this year’s observance of the International Day of
Families is to raise awareness of the role of families and family policies in achieving more inclusive
societies from regional perspectives.
The international panel discussion will focus on the importance of
ensuring equal justice to all family members, especially women.
It will also address the efforts at universal birth registration and
legal identity for all, especially targeting vulnerable families.
The importance of social protection for social inclusion and other
aspects of socially inclusive and family-oriented policies will be
addressed as well.