The International Day of Families is observed every year since 1994 on May 15. The day is to celebrate the bond between your family members and to cherish the memories you have with them. People belonging to different families establish an intergenerational interaction to mark the importance of the day. International Day of Families is not only a day to engage with your family. It is also a day to perform social responsibilities, uniting as a collective whole. On this day, you can make your stay at home meaningful.
The History and the Mandate
1993 was the year when the UN officially passed a mandate that showcased a resolution of the organization. This was to enhance and upgrade living standards and socio-economic progress of all families residing across the globe. With such a view and notion, the United Nations declared the International Day of Families in 1994. From then, we observe the day on May 15 of each year.
The Theme
2020 is the year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Copenhagen Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action. And therefore, the theme of this year reads – “Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing + 25”. The aforementioned events occurred in 1995 when the entire world was facing challenges in public health and mitigating the social crisis in a transforming system. The issue has become relevant again due to the crisis of COVID-19. The families here are the biggest stakeholders to tackle this crisis. Through their tremendous efforts and support, vulnerable communities and individuals are getting catered under a wide safety net during these times of crisis. And that is what the spirit of this family day is.
Celebration in 2020
This year, as the world is struggling to deal with the impacts of a global pandemic, family ties are getting strengthened. As such, you can inspire your family members individually to rethink and foster equality of opportunity for all the people living around you through societal transformation. Restructure your plans and take steps along with your family to fight back the economic recession. Your family’s small collective contribution can have a greater trickle-down effect in changing societal infrastructure during these challenging times. The Beijing Platform for Actions as well as the Copenhagen Declaration acts as visionary blueprints to make these family goals achievable.
What are the development action plans in the theme of “Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing + 25”?
According to the United Nations Department of Economic And Social Affairs, the theme of International Day of Families counters two different types of development action plans. The “Beijing + 25” theme broadly discusses family policies. “Families in a Changing World: How gender-responsive family policies can drive implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action” is the action plan of the mandate of Beijing + 25. On the contrary, the “Copenhagen + 25” theme discusses the societal impact and development of the socio-economic condition through family actions. Both these merge together to lead the world towards a new future. This future is a gender-equal future of gender-sensitive social protection and non-violence against women. This also comprises end to poverty, zero hunger, as well as better living conditions.
To fight against all the possible odds that we encounter every day, family integrity is first and foremost to achieve the target of the theme of the International Day of Families. The observation of the day should start with the acknowledgment of the importance of family in your life. Love starts within the family and it reaches far and wide. This day should be an inspiration to celebrate and appreciate your loved ones on an everyday basis
