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Mother watches daughter play on balcony during school break, Madan, Armenia.
Global Day of Parents serves as a reminder of the vital role families play and underscores the importance of investing in nurturing, playful parenting.
Photo:UNDP Eurasia / Anush Babajanyan

Appreciate All Parents Throughout the World

Since the 1980s, the important role of the family has increasingly come to the attention of the international community. The General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions and proclaimed the International Year of the Family and the International Day of Families.

Emphasizing the critical role of parents in the rearing of children, the Global Day of Parents recognizes that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children. For the full and harmonious development of their personality, children should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

Designated by the General Assembly in 2012, Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their "selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship."

Families, parents and caregivers play a central role in child well-being and development. They offer identity, love, care, provision and protection to children and adolescents as well as economic security and stability. In keeping with the spirit of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, family and parenting support is increasingly recognized as an important part of national social policies and social investment packages aimed at reducing poverty, decreasing inequality and promoting positive parental and child well-being.

2025 Theme: Raising Parents

On the Global Day of Parents 2025, the theme ¡°Raising Parents¡± draws attention to an essential but often underappreciated reality: parenting is a learned skill. Parents and caregivers require time, resources, and support in order to raise children in a nurturing and positive environment.

As part of this year¡¯s observance, UNICEF will launch to highlight the importance of equipping caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need. The month-long campaign will feature touching stories about the joys and challenges of parenthood, share practical parenting tips and resources, and call for greater support for caregivers through parenting programmes.

Raising Parents: Empowering every family to thrive

Raising Parents is not just a documentary, it's a call to action. 

Parenting is a journey. A journey filled with love, challenges and endless learning. Raising a child is every parent's most precious task, but too often caregivers around the world are left to do it alone.

Background

During the 1980's, the United Nations began focusing attention on the issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process () requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs.

In its resolution of 9 December 1989, The General Assembly proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of the Family; and in resolution of 1993, the General Assembly decided that 15 May of every year to be observed as the International Day of Families.

In 2012, the General Assembly 1 June as the Global Day of Parents, to be observed annually in honour of parents throughout the world.

Like no one else, parents and caregivers shape the experiences that build their children¡¯s brains and set them on a path towards healthy development. Parenting is too big a job for parents and caregivers to do alone. They need support to give their children the best possible start in life.

Families remain at the centre of social life, ensuring the well-being of their members, educating and socializing children and youth and caring for young and old. In particular, family-oriented policies can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals relating to doing away with poverty and hunger; ensuring healthy lives and promoting of well-being for all ages; ensuring educational opportunities throughout the lifespan and achieving gender equality.

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.