2023 Theme: Demographic Trends and Families

In late 2022, the world’s population has reached eight billion people. Characterised by the United Nations Secretary-General as a ‘milestone in human development’ this landmark event illustrates major advancements in health extending human lifespans. Population growth is to continue albeit at a decreasing rate. It is projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 in 2100 rising concerns about the prospects of sustainable urbanization and management of climate change.

Demographic change is one of the most important megatrends impacting our world and the life and well-being of families worldwide. Demographic trends are mostly shaped by fertility and mortality patterns. Declining fertility rates result in benefits for families as they are more able to invest in their children’s health and education which in turns helps with poverty reduction and better socio-economic development.

Research indicates that decreasing fertility also increases women’s labour participation. On the other hand, fertility declines results in smaller families which are less likely to cope with care and other household obligations. As such in time of unemployment or illness, families have fewer members to rely on. Moreover, low fertility rates may undermine labour forces and social structures triggering drastic responses with hard to predict consequences for issues raging from social security to gender equality.

The 2023 International Day of Families observance is to raise awareness of the impact of demographic trends on families. The event will include:

• Launch of the Background Paper on “The Impact of Demographic Trends on Families”
• Presentation of the World Social Report 2023 “Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World”
• Presentation on intergenerational equity and solidarity
• An overview of recommendations of policies in response to demographic trends Presentation of civil society initiatives for IYF+30
• Interactive discussion with audience participation
  
  
  
  This is general information on IDF 2023 the UN website.   
  https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-families
   
   Here are links to the UN IDF event backgrounder, program, and speaker bios:
  https://social.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/IDF2023-BACKGROUND.pdf
   
  https://social.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/IDF2023-PROGRAMME-27-04.pdf

  https://social.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/IDF2023-BIONOTES_1.pdf

   

  The UN observance will take place in person and virtually, on 15 May, 1:15-2:30 pm (EST) at UNHQ in conference room 11. You can also watch it on the UN webcast (https://media.un.org/en/webtv)