International Day of Families 2018: Families and Inclusive Societies
“Meaning, Support and Admiration”
International Day of Families is observed on May 15th each year to highlight the importance of family as a unit. The United Nations promotes this day with great emphasis on the provision of knowledge about how families can transform our societies and create opportunities for all. The celebration of International Day of Family allows for open discussion and increased awareness related to global economic, education, health and social issues. Furthermore, it also works to highlight inclusiveness of both able-bodied individuals and people with disabilities, which then reflects on how people in our society engage with each other and sustain over time.
“Although families all over the world have transformed greatly over the past decades in terms of their structure and as a result of global trends and demographic changes, the United Nations still recognizes the family as the basic unit of society.” — United Nations
Family is the supreme unification of oneself and self-worth; it helps create a foundation for civilization and creates a support system for an individual. The level of cooperation and trust between people increases as families come together and display affection, understanding and trust. The connection that each family can have is vital for survival in today’s world, and a healthy relationship and environment within families can promote positivity with great potential to do good for society.
This year’s International Day of Families also recognizes the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The day observes the importance of an inclusive society, which can be achieved through a diverse platform focusing on the regional perspectives. The emphasis of forming inclusive societies vary around the world because of diverse culture, traditions and customs. The United Nations says, “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. “
Moreover, an international panel discussion will take place on the 15th of May at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, observing the importance of inclusive societies and its impact on families across regions.
The Sustainable Development Goal 16 includes targets to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for all, ensuring justice, and to create effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
Following are some of The Goal 16 targets:
- Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
- Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
- Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
- Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
Furthermore, the day realizes the fundamentals of a family’s role in a society and how we as individuals can connect with our families. It’s an opportunity for people around the world to connect and show their support for different types of families around the world. Therefore, various events take place across the globe in the commemoration of the International Day of Families. The United Nations strongly appeals to different governments, institutions and colleges to arrange events in order to spread awareness. Such arrangements help create a bigger impact of inclusiveness in our societies. ARISE Impact also believes in an inclusive society for all can be made possible through empowering individuals and enabling a positive outcome for all.
Click on the link to live stream the event : http://www.familyperspective.org/act/act-0042-en.php
Reference links:
http://www.un.org/en/events/familyday/
https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/the-family
