Kathmandu. The International Day of Families is being celebrated across the globe by organizing various programmes focusing on sustainable development, social inclusion and the strong role of the family.

On the same occasion, a special discussion on policy solutions for sustainable development is taking place at the UN Headquarters in preparation for the upcoming Second World Social Development Summit.

Although the United Nations had been paying special attention to issues related to the family since the 1980s, the Social Development Commission, on the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council, passed a resolution on the ‘Role of the Family in the Development Process’ in 1983, urging the Secretary-General to raise global public awareness about the problems, needs and solutions of the family.

According to the United Nations, in 1985 the Council recommended to the General Assembly that “Families in the Development Process” should be included in its agenda. Thereafter, on the basis of the views and proposals of the member states, initiatives were taken to improve the condition and welfare of the family and to increase international cooperation for social development.

The UNGA proclaimed 1989 as the International Year of Families. In 1993, May 15 is celebrated as International Day of Families. This day has been officially celebrated all over the world since 1994.

The International Day of Families is believed to provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the social, economic and demographic processes related to the family. Family and family-friendly policies and programs are an important basis for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) endorsed by the 193 member states of the United Nations in 2015. Special importance has been given to the role of the family in achieving the goals of poverty alleviation, end discrimination, social security and inclusive development.