Happy International Family Day

JAKARTA - International Day of Families or International Family Day is celebrated every year on May 15. This commemoration was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1993 and began in 1994.

International Family Day aims to raise awareness among the world community on issues related to the family. In addition, it aims to increase knowledge about the social, economic and demographic processes that affect families. Family is believed to be the most important element of society and social solidarity. International Family Day is represented by a heart symbol connected to the roof of the house at the top in a green circle.

Furthermore, starting in 1996, the United Nations gave an annual theme in each anniversary. The official themes for the past several years are Families, healthy lives and sustainable future (2016), Families, education and well-being (2017), Families and inclusive societies (2018), and Families and Climate Action: Focus on SDG13 (2019) . For this year's commemoration, the theme taken is Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing + 25.

Still with the euphoria of the warning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's theme is also related to the importance of the role of families in fighting the current conditions and the impacts it brings. This year's anniversary is celebrated virtually.

25 years ago, the Beijing and Copenhagen conferences discussed the importance of the family and its role in social development. This theme is emphasized by the United Nations in the celebration of International Family Day 2020. A family is the first foundation in the development of laws and social norms. Family is also a place to die when feeling sad and soothe pain. Therefore, the family is a source for overcoming social and individual fears such as those often experienced by society in the midst of this pandemic. The economic burden that threatens most of the community due to this pandemic can also be overcome with the family.

Through the VOI podcast, we wish you a Happy International Family Day. Please press the listen button.