UN enjoins public to celebrate 29th Int’l Family Day

by Ayien-an Jetia Pesimo

The United Nations (UN) spearheaded the celebration of the 29th International Day of Families (IDF) with participants all over the world today, May 15, with the theme "Demographic Trends and Families."

According to UN, family means different things to different people – but at its core, family means love & support.

“Monday’s International Day of Families is an opportunity to celebrate families in all their diversity,” the UN stated.

The event will showcase the introduction of a background paper on this subject, along with the presentation of the World Social Report 2023 titled "Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World."

In addition, there will be a presentation that explores intergenerational equity and solidarity, aiming to analyze their effects on family life and suggests family-centered policies that cater to the needs of families worldwide.

The event will also incorporate interactive discussions, offering an opportunity for individuals to share their perspectives and ideas on how to tackle the challenges faced by families within a changing demographic landscape.

According to the UN's website, demographic change is recognized as a significant global megatrend that greatly influences the lives and welfare of families across the world, primarily driven by patterns of fertility and mortality.

“Declining fertility rates result in benefits for families as they are more able to invest in their children’s health and education which in turn, helps with poverty reduction and better socio-economic development,” the UN added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the Chair of the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), expressed their solidarity by conducting a webinar today line with a sub-theme, "Pamilyang Pilipino: Pagtugon sa Nagbabagong Pananaw at Panahon" live-streamed on their FB Page DSWD CAR.

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