15th May is the International Day of Families
The foremost and integral part of any society is the family. It is a group of people related either by consanguinity or affinity and it forms the basis for social order. We are aware that family policies are a mainstay of national public policies, and the most meaningful vehicle for governments to influence the living standards of upcoming generations. Healthy families are the central and foundations for a healthy society.
Equality and equity is needed but in recent years there are many differences amongst families even from the same society or regions. The global inequalities have continued to widen in recent years, driven by persistent income and wealth disparities, unequal access to essential services, and the uneven impacts of global crises. Inequalities widen beyond income, affecting access to education, healthcare, digital connectivity, and opportunities for social mobility, reinforcing intergenerational cycles of disadvantage.
Currently, the majority of the world population lives in countries where income inequality has increased in the last three decades with inequalities based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, migrant status and disability widespread in developed and developing countries alike, reducing opportunities for social development and undermining global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Progresses have been made and inequalities are also increasing which might lead to conflicts in near future. Families with children face more challenges due to inequalities as they lack access to many rights. Without adequate support, the addition of children in households often increases the likelihood that household’s fall below the poverty line, reinforcing intergenerational disadvantage.
Research shows that family structure can amplify economic inequality across generations because parental investments in children often reinforce existing disparities, limiting mobility for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, inequalities rooted in gender, race, and social identity create additional burdens for families, particularly those facing intersecting disadvantages.
On the other hand, family farms make up about 80% of farms worldwide, playing a vital role in food security, rural jobs, and ecosystem sustainability—especially in developing countries. Family farmers in developing countries face declining crop yields from climate change, increasing poverty and food insecurity as extreme weather reduces both food production and purchasing power. Interestingly, families can cut their carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly habits—like saving energy, reducing waste, and eating less meat and dairy—potentially lowering food-related emissions by up to 73%.
During the 1980’s, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process (1983/23) requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs.
In its resolution 44/82 of 9 December 1989, The General Assembly proclaimed The International Year of the Family. In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution (A/RES/47/237) that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families (IDF). The theme of the 2026 observance, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” underscores how widening inequalities are shaping family life and influencing children’s futures. This year’s observance of the IDF aims to demonstrate that engagement at international level is essential to elevate early family investment as a core social development priority.
For the growth and development of child well being it is important that all families get the facilities and their rights according to the law or mutual cooperation. Healthy children are possible when the family is healthy and all of us have the responsibility to ensure that families are developed irrespective of any backgrounds. We are a nation with different faiths, beliefs, and culture but together we can build Viksit Bharat when we ensure that our families do not face inequalities and children can develop and contribute towards Viksit Bharat.
( With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be send to bkranjan@gmail.com)
Ranjan K Baruah
A-10,Behind Namghar, Nayanpur, Ganeshguri,Guwahati.