Family-oriented policies for a more inclusive future

On 15 May 2025, the United Nations will commemorate the International Day of Families under the theme “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development”. Held at UN Headquarters in New York, this year’s observance highlights the vital role of families and family policy in building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.

Organized by the Division for Inclusive Social Development of UN DESA, the event will emphasize the importance of integrating family-focused approaches in national development planning, particularly as the global community prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha, Qatar in November 2025.

Participants will explore key findings from a new research paper on family policies and issues in Voluntary National Reviews (2020–2024), demonstrating how policies supporting families contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to poverty, education, health and social inclusion.

The observance will feature perspectives from different regions, including Asia, the Middle East and North Africa and Latin America, with presentations on good practices in family policymaking that respond to megatrends such as demographic shifts, technological change and climate challenges. Voices from youth and civil society will underscore the importance of intergenerational solidarity and inclusive family policies.

As the global community marks the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, this event serves as a reminder that supporting families through comprehensive and inclusive policies is essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda. The event will be webcast live for a global audience. Join the commemoration live on 15 May 2025 at 1:15 pm EDT at https://webtv.un.org

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Photo credit: UNDP Sri Lanka