United Nations observing 29th “International Day of Families “on 15th May globally

Partha Roy, Kolkata: United Nations observing 29th “International Day of Families “on 15th May 2023 around the world.

The theme of 29th International Day of Families is ” Demographic Trends and Families “The 2023 International Day of Families observance is to raise awareness of the impact of demographic trends on families.

The World Population has reached 8 billions in late 2022 which is a ” milestone in human development ” as mentioned by United Nations Secretary General earlier. It is projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100 rising concerns about the prospects of sustainable urbanization and management of climate change.

Demographic change is one of the most important megatrends impacting our world and the life and well-being of families worldwide. Demographic trends are mostly shaped by fertility and mortality patterns. Declining fertility rates result in benefits for families as they are more able to invest in their children’s health and education which in turns helps with poverty reduction and better socio-economic development.

The milestone in human development indicates major advancements in health extending human lifespans. Population growth is to continue albeit at a decreasing rate.

Some Research indicates fertility declines results in smaller families which are less likely to cope with care and other household obligations. As such in time of unemployment or illness, families have fewer members to rely on. Moreover, low fertility rates may undermine labour forces and social structures triggering drastic responses with hard to predict consequences for issues raging from social security to gender equality.

United Nations is organizing several events to mark the 29th International Day of Families which includes:
**Launch of the Background Paper on “The Impact of Demographic Trends on Families”
**Presentation of the World Social Report 2023 “Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World”
**Presentation on intergenerational equity and solidarity
**An overview of recommendations of policies in response to demographic trends Presentation of civil society initiatives for IYF+30

As part of the preparations for the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024 (IYF+30), the 2023 observance of the International Day of Families focuses on major demographic changes and their impact on families to share current knowledge about demographic trends, including ageing, and intergenerational solidarity; facilitate the analysis of their impacts on family life; and recommend family-oriented policies that respond to the needs of families around the world.

In 1993, the General Assembly passed a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families to provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

On 25 September 2015, the 193 member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals aiming to eliminate poverty, discrimination, abuse and preventable deaths, address environmental destruction, and usher in an era of development for all people, everywhere. Families and family-oriented policies and programmes are vital for the achievement of many of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.