UNITED NATIONS

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Message from H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo,
President of the General Assembly
International Day of Families
15 May 2002

The International Day of Families, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 47/237 20 September
1993, has provided a unique opportunity to enhance public awareness of issues relating to families. The family constitutes the
natural and fundamental unit of society. If a society maintains a sound basis for the family, it can achieve stability and peace. 

Therefore, families should be protected and strengthened through promotion of equal partnership between women and men in the
family and mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation within the family and within society.

This year marks the eighth anniversary of the International Day of Families. The theme of this year, " Families and Ageing:
Opportunities and Challenges" is suggested in the context of the Second World Assembly on Ageing to be held in Madrid in April
2002. 

Older persons are important assets for families.  They are essential to forging solidarity between generations in families,
communities and nations. This year's theme provides an excellent opportunity to highlight older persons' roles and the
intergenerational dimensions of families in a society.

Lastly, I would like to encourage national governments and Non-governmental Organizations to participate in the preparatory
process of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2004.