International Day of Families

What Is the International Day of Families?

May 15 is the International Day of Families. In 1993, the UN General Assembly decided in resolution A/RES/47/237 that May 15 of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families. The day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting them.

How the Day Came About

The United Nations began focusing attention on family issues in the 1980s.

• 1983: The UN Commission for Social Development asked the Secretary-General to raise awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family.
• 1989: In resolution 44/82, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family.
• 1993: The UN General Assembly decided that May 15 of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families.

The International Year of the Family Was 1994

The year after the International Day of Families was decided in 1993, 1994 was the UN's International Year of the Family. In 2026, an event was held at UN Headquarters on May 15. Related UN observances include the International Day of Older Persons, the Global Day of Parents, and the International Day of Family Remittances.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Thank your family or the people close to you for their everyday support
• Call or message family members who live far away to share your news
• Talk about recent events over a meal with your family
• Look up this year's International Day of Families theme on the UN website

A Day to Think About the Families Close to Us

Families come in many forms, and ways of living have changed over time. The International Day of Families on May 15 is a chance to look at the issues facing families around the world and to rethink our connections with the people close to us. Why not reach out to someone important to you today?