International Day of Families
Next: May 15, 2027
For the people you call home.
The story
Where it comes from
The United Nations turned its attention to families in the 1980s. On 9 December 1989 the General Assembly proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family, with the theme 'Family: resources and responsibilities in a changing world' and the motto 'Building the smallest democracy at the heart of society'. In 1993, in resolution 47/237, it decided that 15 May would be the International Day of Families every year: a day to raise awareness of the issues facing families, and of the social, economic and demographic changes that shape them.
How it's celebrated
Each year the UN chooses a focus and brings together experts, governments and community groups at its headquarters in New York to discuss how policy can support families. For the rest of us it is a good day for a family meal, a call to relatives far away or an afternoon with grandparents and cousins, and a card to the family you were born into or the one you have made.
Did you know
- The emblem of the International Year of the Family shows a roof sheltering two hearts, one large and one small.
- When it proclaimed the Year, the General Assembly asked that most of its activities take place at local and national level, close to families themselves.
- Family farms make up about 80 per cent of the world's farms.
Coming up next
- Hari Raya Aidiladha · May 16, 2027
- Teachers' Day (Malaysia) · May 16, 2027
- International Day of Light · May 16, 2027
- World Telecommunication and Information Society Day · May 17, 2027
- International Museum Day · May 18, 2027
- World Family Doctor Day · May 19, 2027