The International Day of Families holds annually on May 15 and it’s meant to celebrate the importance of the family. Although it is a global observance and not a public holiday a wide range of events are organized at local, national and international levels. Such events may include seminars, workshops, policy meetings, and public lectures among others to raise awareness of the annual theme; educational sessions for children and young people; and the launch of campaigns for public policies to strengthen and support family units.

The theme of this year International Day of Families according to the United Nations (UN) is "Families and inclusive societies". The 2018 observance of the International day of Families focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 16 relating to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

Strategies for family policies for inclusive societies vary around the world. In some regions emphasis is placed on social inclusion of various types of families and/or individuals such as migrant or indigenous families, ethnic minorities or families with persons with disabilities. In other regions primary emphasis is placed on social protection for vulnerable families to facilitate their full inclusion in the mainstream of society.

Unfortunately, in many regions of the world, there are no deliberate effort towards the elevation of families. This in itself is also an approach! As approaches vary, this year’s observance of the International Day of Families is to raise awareness of the role of families and family policies in achieving more inclusive societies from regional perspectives.

This will definitely not be a hot topic in many places but in some countries, tool kits are created to help people organize celebrations aimed at a particular section of the population, such as school children or young adults. In the long run, there is a marked distinction between societies. Those who deliberately invest resources and effort in the family would no doubt realize a great deal of positive outcome. Whatever is seen in the larger society originates from the family, being the foundation of any society.

Be interested in what your country is up to and celebrate a wonderful International Day of Families.

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