March 15 marks the International Day of Families, which highlights the significance of family and its value in society.
The day aims to enable workers to take a break from their hectic work and to spend some quality time with their family and friends.
They celebrate the occasion by gathering together to have a good time and share special family moments.
In the 1980s, the United Nations attached more importance to family-related concerns. The UN raised awareness amongst opinion leaders and decision-makers and the public about family issues and needs, as well as effective ways to fulfill those needs.
The day was observed on December 9, 1989, as the International Year of Families by the United Nations General Assembly.
In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 15 to be the International Day of Families.
The main purpose of reaffirming these goals is to demonstrate the United Nations’ willingness to inspire people to work for improved living conditions and social progress for families all around the world.
The theme for this year ‘Families and Urbanization’ aims to raise awareness about the necessity of family-friendly urban policy. One of the most important emerging trends impacting our planet and the lives and well-being of families throughout the world is urbanization, according to the UN.
The day is a public holiday in the countries of Angola, South Africa, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Vietnam; in the Australian Capital Territory; in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British, Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and soon New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; in the American states of Arizona and Nevada; and as the second day of Songkran in Thailand.
