International Day of Families 2027 is on Saturday

About International Day of Families

The International Day of Families treats the family as a basic unit of society, and asks how forces such as poverty, migration, urbanization, climate change and the cost of care shape family life. It is less a celebration of any one kind of family than a prompt to think about policy: parental leave, child benefits, affordable childcare, early education and support for people caring for older or disabled relatives.

The UN began paying focused attention to the family in the 1980s. In resolution 44/82 of December 9, 1989, the General Assembly proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family. In 1993, in resolution 47/237, it decided that May 15 of every year would be observed as the International Day of Families. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs organizes the main observance, usually a discussion at UN Headquarters in New York with experts, member states and civil society groups.

Each year has its own theme. The 2026 theme was "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing," which focused on how gaps in income, health care, education, digital access and caregiving support shape children's prospects, and called for integrated social protection systems to reduce those gaps. The UN also connects the day to the Sustainable Development Goals, arguing that family-oriented policies help with goals on poverty, health, education and gender equality.

May 15 is separate from the UN's Global Day of Parents on June 1, which was added in 2012 and focuses specifically on parents and caregivers.

Sources: United Nations: International Day of Families, General Assembly resolution 47/237 (1993), General Assembly resolution 44/82 (1989). How we check dates.

How to mark International Day of Families

• Plan a screen-free family meal or outing, and include grandparents or relatives who live alone.
• Record an older relative telling a family story, or label old family photos before the details are lost.
• Learn what parental leave, childcare and caregiver support policies exist where you live, and tell your representatives what is missing.
• Offer practical help to a family under strain, such as a neighbor caring for a sick relative or a single parent.
• Support a local family resource center, food bank or foster care agency with time or a donation.
• Watch the UN's International Day of Families event or read the background paper released for it.

International Day of Families dates