Families are on the front line of widening inequalities.
When income is unstable, services limited, care unsupported, and access to education, healthcare, or digital connectivity uneven, children’s wellbeing and life chances suffer. These pressures do not fall equally across families and can reinforce disadvantage across generations.
On 15 May 2026, the United Nations will observe the International Day of Families under the theme “Families, Inequalities and Child Well-being.” The event at UN Headquarters in New York will convene Member States, UN entities, policy experts, and civil society to discuss the effects of inequalities on families and children.
The observance will include the launch of Families, Inequality and Child Well-being in the Context of the 2030 Agenda, featuring contributions from the Learning for Well-being Institute.
The event will highlight the importance of family-oriented policies, including child and family benefits, parental leave, affordable early childhood education and community-based family support services. These measures are essential for supporting families, enhancing child well-being, and improving children’s opportunities.
The observance will be webcast via UN Web TV and is open to the public.
Event details
Date: 15 May 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. EDT / New York time
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
Theme: Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing
Photo credit: UN DESA
