The Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) supports the worldwide observance of the International Day of Families (15 May) by organizing an official international observance of the Day at UN Headquarters in New York focusing on topics relevant to the UN Development Agenda. Background information on families and a selected topic is prepared for the use by Governments, the UN system, including the regional commissions, and UN Information Centres and NGOs. An annual message of the Secretary-General is prepared for wide distribution.

International Day by Year and Theme:

2016: “Families, healthy lives and sustainable future”

2015: ”Men in charge? Gender equality and children’s rights in contemporary families”

2014: ”Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals; International Year of the Family + 20”

2013: Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity

2012: “Ensuring Work-Family Balance”

2011: “Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion”

2010: “The impact of migration on families around the world”

2009: “Mothers and Families: Challenges in a Changing World”

2008: “Fathers and Families: Responsibilities and Challenges”

2007: “Families and Persons with Disabilities”

2006: “Changing Families: Challenges and Opportunities”

2005: “HIV/AIDS and Family Well-being”

2004: “The Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family: A Framework for Action”

2003: “Preparations for the observance of the Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2004”

2002: “Families and Ageing: Opportunities and Challenges”

2001: “Families and Volunteers: Building Social Cohesion”

2000: “Families: Agents and Beneficiaries of Development”

1999: “Families for all ages”

1998: “Families: Educators and Providers of Human Rights”

1997: “Building Families Based on Partnership”

1996: “Families: First Victims of Poverty and Homelessness”