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When is International Family Day? Origin, Meaning and Significance.

International Day of Families, often abbreviated as IDF, is a United Nations designated day that aims to raise awareness of family issues worldwide.

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6 July, 2024

Family is a haven, a place we turn to after life’s storms. International Family Day was established to promote a more civilized and better life. Join us to learn more about the origin and significance of this day!

1 When is International Family Day?

When is International Family Day?

In 1993, the United Nations decided to mark May 15 as International Family Day annually to promote the importance of families and encourage countries to develop family-related policies.

In 2024, International Family Day falls on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Reference:

2 History and Significance of International Family Day

In 1983, the Commission for Social Development, at its 28th session, proposed to the Economic and Social Council a resolution (1984/23) on the important role of the family in social development and the need for family-related policies.

History of International Family Day

On May 29, 1985, the Economic and Social Council, in its resolution 1985/29, submitted a document to the United Nations General Assembly for consideration, including an item entitled “Families in the development process,” to raise global awareness of family-related issues.

Subsequently, on December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 42/134, calling on all countries to express their opinions on choosing a day to celebrate the International Day of Families.

Further reference: It is also an occasion to honor Vietnamese families.

International Family Day raises awareness among the people.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly, in resolution 47/237, designated May 15 as International Family Day to raise awareness about family issues and encourage countries to promote comprehensive policies related to families.

International Family Day, observed annually, aims to unite and highlight the spirit of solidarity among families, encouraging them to work together towards a better quality of life.

Significance of International Family Day

The key objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development include: Ending poverty, promoting economic prosperity, fostering social development and enhancing the well-being of all people, and protecting the environment. Families continue to play a pivotal role in social life.

Notably, family-centric policies, such as the establishment of International Family Day, can contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, supporting poverty eradication efforts, and ensuring the health and happiness of individuals of all ages, educational opportunities, and gender equality.

3 Theme of International Family Day

Theme of International Family Day 2024

The theme for International Family Day 2024 has not yet been announced and will be updated in the future.

Theme of International Family Day

Themes of Previous International Family Days

2023 – “Demographic trends and families”
2022 – “Love and Share”
2021 – “Families and New Technologies”
2020 – “Peace and Happiness”
2019 – “Families and New Technologies”
2018 – “Families and Inclusive Societies”
2017 – “Families, Education and Well-being”
2016 – “Families, Healthy Lives, and Sustainable Future”
2015 – “Men’s Responsibility? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families”
2014 – “The Family: A Resource for Achieving Development; 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 Worldwide”

4 Activities for International Family Day

Activities for International Family Day

Promote the event through mass media, and encourage local agencies, organizations, and communities to display banners and posters related to the theme and messages of International Family Day in Vietnam.
Organize and encourage people from all walks of life to participate in activities related to the events of the month of March, including the Olympic Run for Health, and other commemorative days.
Prioritize charitable activities, visits, and support for individuals, families, and communities in difficult situations in remote, border, and island areas in the spirit of love and sharing; honor organizations and individuals who actively contribute to the happiness of their loved ones, families, and communities.
Organize cultural, artistic, sports, recreational, and competitive events, as well as conferences, seminars, exhibitions, film screenings, and other activities.

5 Greetings for International Family Day

Greetings for International Family Day

Here are some greetings for International Family Day (May 15) that you can refer to:

1. On International Family Day, I wish my parents all the joy and happiness in the world. May their burdens be lightened, and may our family always be filled with laughter and love!

2. You and our little family are my biggest motivation. On International Family Day, May 15, I wish that our home will always be a place of comfort and support after a long day. Let’s hold hands tightly and walk together until the end of our journey.

3. On International Family Day, I wish that our family will always stand together, facing life’s challenges. May our home always be filled with warmth and happiness!

4. On International Family Day, I want to send my greetings and best wishes to the most important and respected people in my life, my parents. I wish them good health and a life filled with laughter and love.

5. Thank you for coming into my life and giving me a happy family. Thank you for always being my rock, supporting and encouraging me even when life gets tough. On International Family Day, let’s continue to be each other’s strength.

Further reference: Beautiful and meaningful wishes for the family.

6 Gifts for International Family Day

Gifts for International Family Day

Here are some gift ideas for your loved ones on International Family Day:

Jewelry: A timeless gift that everyone will appreciate. If your budget allows, consider gifting your loved ones with beautiful necklaces or bracelets.
Television: A familiar fixture in every home. Surprise your family with a new TV for the living room, and enjoy movie nights together.
Mobile Phone: A thoughtful gift for your parents. Stay connected with family members, especially those living far away, through phone calls and messages.
Refrigerator: Keep your food fresh and drinks cool with a new refrigerator. It’s a gift that will benefit the entire family.
Tea Set: For tea lovers, a beautiful tea set displayed in the living room will bring joy and create opportunities for meaningful conversations over a cup of tea.
Kitchen Appliances: As the heart of the home, the kitchen deserves some love. Gift your parents with new kitchen appliances to make cooking a more enjoyable experience.
Blood Pressure Monitor: Help your elderly parents keep an eye on their health with a blood pressure monitor. It’s a practical gift that saves them trips to the clinic.
Massage Devices: Alleviate your parents’ aches and pains with massage devices designed to target common problem areas like the back, neck, and shoulders.
Air Purifier: With air pollution on the rise, an air purifier can be a thoughtful gift to ensure your family breathes cleaner air at home.

7 Is International Family Day the Same as Vietnamese Family Day?

International Family Day is different from Vietnamese Family Day, which is celebrated on June 28 annually. The latter aims to honor traditional cultural values and promote sustainable development for Vietnamese families.

Further reference: June 28th is Vietnamese Family Day, celebrating traditional cultural values.

The above shares provide insights into the origin and significance of International Family Day. We hope this information has broadened your understanding of this special day, May 15.

Frequently asked questions

International Family Day is observed annually on May 15. It was established by the United Nations in 1993 to highlight the importance of families and their well-being. The day aims to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to recognize the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting them globally.

The idea of a day to celebrate and promote the importance of families was first proposed by the United Nations in the 1980s. It was officially established in 1993 by the UN General Assembly through a resolution sponsored by several countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Qatar, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The theme for International Family Day varies each year, with past themes focusing on different aspects of family life and well-being. The day is meant to celebrate the family unit, promote awareness of family-related issues, and encourage actions that support and strengthen families globally.

People can observe International Family Day by spending quality time with their families, organizing or participating in community events, and raising awareness about family-related issues. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of family bonds and to show appreciation for the love and support that families provide.

While there are no specific symbols or traditions mandated for International Family Day, people often use the occasion to express their love and gratitude towards their families. This may include exchanging gifts, having family dinners, or engaging in activities that strengthen family bonds and promote quality time together.