The International Day of Families, May 15, is celebrated at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love and peace.
For 2016, the UN chose the theme "Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "Families are on the frontlines of our global efforts to realize the bold and inclusive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are particularly essential to achieving SDG3, in which all United Nations Member States committed to promoting healthy lives and wellbeing for all at all ages."
Programs may include:
- A seminar with presentations such as Family as the School of Love and Peace, Family Values and Peace, Benefits of Marriage, Promoting a Marriage-Friendly Culture, Marriage, My Spiritual Path
- Recognition of couples who have achieved a milestone in married life (such as 25 or 50 years)
- A forum on a topic of local or national concern
- An outing for families at a park or working together on a project to benefit the community.
Resources
United Nations Site on the International Day of Families
Fun Family Activities
Fact-finding challenge/treasure hunt
Other organizations dedicated to strengthening marriage and family