Translated with AI
On June 1, the world celebrates International Day of Parents—a date designed to remind people of the role of family and parents in raising children, as well as the importance of their work, care, and support for future generations.
The holiday was established by the UN General Assembly in 2012. However, the international community has been focusing on family support for over four decades. The United Nations began systematically addressing issues of family strengthening back in the 1980s. In 1994, the International Year of the Family was declared, and the year before, International Day of Families was established, celebrated annually on May 15.
The UN emphasizes that the family is one of the key institutions influencing societal development. Parents, families, and caregivers are considered the child's first and foremost protectors, providing them with the emotional stability, security, care, and support necessary for their full personal development.
The organization notes that this is why support for parents is increasingly being included in national strategies aimed at combating poverty, reducing inequality, and improving child well-being.
In 2026, the theme of World Day of Parents was "Together for Parents." As part of this initiative, UNICEF premiered the video "Becoming a Parent," in which people from around the world share personal stories about the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments of parenthood.
The project's core idea is that to give children a good start in life, the people who care for them need time, support, and understanding from society.
The UN notes that, amid rapid social change, economic challenges, and increasing strain on families, the role of parents is becoming even more crucial. According to the organization, the support parents receive from the state, employers, and society directly impacts the resilience of future generations.
The global organization also emphasizes that strengthening families is not only a humanitarian objective but also an important strategic priority. Investments in parents are seen as investments in the health, education, and well-being of children, and, consequently, in the future of the entire world.
