IN CELEBRATION of the International Day of Families, the Group of Friends of the Family, jointly with civil society, is pleased to host a high-level event on the theme of the family and its irreplaceable role as society’s most important institution.
An inter-governmental Declaration by the Group of Friends of the Family on the Family and UN Policy will be presented during the event. Hundreds of NGOs from around the world, representing multiple civil society platforms, will express their support for the Group and the Declaration.
The family is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as “the natural and fundamental group unit of society” and “entitled to protection by society and the State.” All efforts to achieve sustainable development must necessarily emphasize the role of the family because of its essential function as primary educator, economic driver, and social safety net.
The successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will depend on policies that promote the family, as recognized in the UDHR, especially if it is to ensure that no one is left behind. This special high-level event will explore the crucial importance of ensuring that the family remains stable and vital for the flourishing of the human person and the ultimate wellbeing of society.
The event will provide a platform for UN Member States to present best practices to safeguard and empower the family, in accordance with their international obligations. A broad representation of international civil society organizations and family policy experts will provide their experience on how best to protect and promote the family both in the field and within the UN system, especially in the context of the 2030 Agenda.
