On 15 May, every year the International Year of the Family is observed. Background During the 1980's, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process (1983/23) requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs. In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution (A/RES/47/237) that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day 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. 2025 Theme: Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development The International Day of Families (IDF) will spotlight the pivotal role of family-oriented policies in advancing sustainable development. Held under the theme “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development”, the event will highlight key insights from national and regional initiatives, emphasizing the role of families in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The IDF 2025 observance will emphasize the importance of integrating family-focused policies into national development agendas to address megatrends such as technological transformation, demographic shifts, urbanization, migration, and climate change. Did you know? Family farms make up about 80% of farms worldwide, playing a vital role in food security, rural jobs, and ecosystem sustainability - especially in developing countries. Family farmers in developing countries face declining crop yields from climate change, increasing poverty and food insecurity as extreme weather reduces both food production and purchasing power. Low-income families in developing countries are hit hardest by climate change due to their reliance on natural resources and weak infrastructure, leaving them less able to cope with extreme weather. Families can cut their carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly habits - like saving energy, reducing waste, and eating less meat and dairy - potentially lowering food-related emissions by up to 73%. Source : United Nations