International Day of Families

The International Day of Families is observed annually on 15 May, and in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly with resolution (A/RES/47/237) decided to proclaim this date as an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families. On this Day, we want to stress out the importance of having healthy and happy familial relationships. Sadly, the approaches to family policies for inclusive and equal societies vary around the world.

By celebrating this day, we aim to increase knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families. In some regions emphasis is placed on the social inclusion of various types of families and/or individuals such as: migrant, refugees, indigenous families, ethnic minorities, or families with persons with disabilities. In other regions, the primary emphasis is placed on social protection for vulnerable families to facilitate their full inclusion in the mainstream of society.

The theme for this year is “Families and Urbanisation’, and aims to raise awareness on the importance of sustainable, family-friendly urban policies. We are well aware that urbanisation is one of the most important megatrends shaping our world and the life and wellbeing of families worldwide. Hence, sustainable urbanisation is related to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), like: Goal 1, Goal 3, Goal 10, and Goal 11, which they are vital to social progress and development in families.

We, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), highlight the vital role that families have in society, since they are the roadmap to building stronger and equal communities. The achievement of SDGs and their targets depend on how well urbanisation is managed towards benefitting families and enhancing the wellbeing of all generations living in cities. Hence, we encourage young people to treat everyone equally, as we seek to create a more just world by empowering everyone, especially young activists from around the globe, through a combination of cross-cultural human rights activities and events.

Together, we shall continue to encourage young people to embrace the significance of family especially its role in education, healthcare, technology, urbanisation, and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.