Good Practices in Family Policy Making
In 2022, UNDESA sent a Note Verbale to Member States and UN entities requesting the provision of information on the following topics: Family-oriented efforts in support of managing the use of new technologies, including harnessing new technologies to improve work-family balance and promote parenting education; Family-oriented policies and programmes that promote inclusive urbanization, access to […]
Expert Group Meeting on “Megatrends and Families: Focus on Digital Technologies, Migration and Urbanization”
The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social affairs (UNDESA) is organizing an Expert Group Meeting on “Megatrends and Families: Focus on Digital Technologies, Migration and Urbanization” to be held on 7-8 September 2022.
The meeting will build on the findings of the Expert Group Meeting held in 2020 which focused, inter alia, on the modalities for the preparations of the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30). The meeting recommended focusing on several megatrends to guide the preparations. Those recommendations were reflected in the Reports of the Secretary-General (2020-2021). In 2021, General Assembly resolution on the Preparations for the IYF+30 endorsed those recommendations and advised to focus on the trends of new technologies, migration, urbanization as well as demographic trends and climate change as part of the preparations for IYF+30.
In accordance with the aforementioned resolution and relevant United Nations mandates, the Expert Group Meeting is to address the technological, migration and urbanization trends and their impact on families.
2022 International Day of Families on “Families and Urbanization”
Urbanization is one of the most important megatrends shaping our world and the life and wellbeing of families worldwide. Sustainable urbanization is related to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets, such as SDG1 (Poverty eradication) SDG 3, (Good health and well-being); SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), SDG10 (Reduce inequality within and among countries). All the above SDGs and targets depend on how well urbanization is managed to benefit families and enhance the well-being of all generations living in the cities.
This year's theme of the International Day of Families on "Families and Urbanization" is to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable and family-friendly urban policies.
Virtual Event
Friday, 13 May, 10:00-11:15 AM (New York time)
UNDESA organized a panel discussion that included presentations from academics, civil society and urban authorities. The event also included the launch of the background paper as well as the presentation of civil society initiatives such as Venice Declaration and Civil Society Declaration for IYF+30.
A major research paper was launched at the observance as part of the preparations for IYF+30. The keynote address by the author mainly examined current urbanization trends from a family perspective.
Background paper:
“Migration, Urbanization, and the Family Dimension” by Bahira Sherif Trask, Professor & Chair, Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Delaware
Presentations:
- “Migration, Urbanization, and the Family Dimension” by Bahira Sherif Trask, Professor & Chair, Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Delaware
- "Designing Cities for Children and Families" by Brenna Hassinger-Das, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pace University and Science Advisor, PLLAN
- "Family in the Center - Regional Partnership for Family" by Sylwia Tubielewicz-Olejnik
Learn more: https://www.un.org/development/desa/family/international-day-of-families/2022-2.html
“Families and Migration” side event of the 60th Commission for Social Development (CSocD60), 9 February 2022
Migration is one of the mega trends impacting families worldwide. In 2022, the Focal Point on the Family, Division for Inclusive Social Development focuses on migration and urbanization trends as part of the preparations for the upcoming thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024 (IYF+30).
The side event of the Commission for Social Development is to address current migration trends and their impact on families. In line with the priority theme of the Commission, “Inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihoods, well-being and dignity for all: eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 Agenda”, the event will also address migration and its role in poverty reduction and its contributions to the achievement of the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
We are witnessing the deepening process of globalization, characterized by increased mobility and migration. Family members migrate in search of better economic and educational opportunities ensuring better lives for the families they leave behind. Families mostly benefit economically from the new opportunities but may become fragmented in the countries of origin and marginalized in the countries of destination.
Although mobility between locations is mostly seen as an individual decision, in fact, mobility within a country and migration abroad is entrenched in family practices and decision-making. Many migrants are motivated by a sense of family obligation to contribute to family wellbeing and improve their economic situation. Often, families designate a particular family member, with most chances to succeed, to migrate with an expectation of his or her contribution to family left behind.
It is not only economic hardship and desire to improve economic circumstances that cause migration. Civil strife and conflict cause large flows of individuals from low-income to high- income countries as well, often leading to growing hostilities between native born individuals and migrants, creating political tensions and restrictive policy responses. Policies and laws preventing migrants from having family members reside or even visit have become common in many countries, resulting in fragmented households, exacerbating inequalities and highlighting interdependency between individuals and families.
Agenda 2030 features migration under SDG10, target 10.7 “ to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. Some of the other SDG targets note specific types of migration, including, labour migration (8.7 and 8.8), international student mobility (4.b), human trafficking (5.2, 8.7 and 16.2), remittances (10.c), and migration data (17.18).
As migration-related issues are visible throughout the SDGs, the importance of support for migrants and their families through effective policies grows and deserves further attention.
Preparations for the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024
The Division for Inclusive Social Development of UN DESA organized Expert Group Meeting and consultations with stakeholders concerning the preparations for the IYF+30. International Expert Group Meetings in preparation for the IYF+30 2022 – Expert Group Meeting on “Megatrends and Families: Focus on Digital Technologies, Migration and Urbanization” 2020 – Expert Group Meeting on “Families […]
Implementation of the objectives of the International Year of the Family and its follow-up processes
The present report, which is submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 75/153, contains information on the preparations for the observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024 and an analysis of the impact of new technologies on families.
The report is also focused on the potential of digital technologies to help to enable the achievement of work-family balance and on the role of such technologies in promoting and facilitating parenting education.
Download the Report of the Secretary-General on the Implementation of the objectives of the International Year of the Family and its follow-up processes (A/77/61–E/2022/4) English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉
Technology Use and Families: Implications for Work-family Balance and Parenting Education
This background report by Susan Walker - an Associate Professor of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota - examines the status of technology use and its impact on families and focuses on two key contexts that offer societal support to families: work-family balance and parenting education. Figure 1 depicts an overview of the background paper. Attention is given to policy directions which address the SDGs in particular and that reflect the true intersection of technology as an innovation. For example, while decades of policy attention to work and family has resulted in structural strategies (e.g., flexible parental leave), this report will identify policies and practices reflecting technological realities (e.g., subsidizing employees for technology needed for home-based work). Within the scope of the discussion, this report will reflect family life amidst the global pandemic of COVID-19. Download the full report.
Digital Technologies, Families and the Impact on COVID-19
The 59th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD59) will take place from 8 to 17 February in 2021.
The priority theme will be “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all.”
The Commission will highlight the role of digital technologies in promoting social development and well-being for all, giving particular attention to disadvantaged, marginalized, or vulnerable groups and communities. It will conclude with recommendations on how countries can make further progress on these issues.
The Commission will host a High- level panel discussion on the priority theme, a Ministerial Forum, a Panel discussion on Emerging Issues, an Interactive dialogue with senior officials of the UN System, a Multi-stakeholder Forum, and a Civil Society Forum.
Side Events on Families
The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of UNDESA will organize two side events of the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development to offer a family perspective on its theme: “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all”
1. Digital Technologies and Families: Focus on Work-Family Balance
The side event on Digital Technologies and Families will focus on the impact of digital technologies on work-family balance and overall family-well-being. It will address the issues of fostering innovation and improving flexible working arrangements. It will also emphasize how new technologies can be harnessed to advance family well-being.
Date and Time: 10 February 2021, 11:30am-1:00pm (EST)
- Concept note
- Agenda & Bio notes of panelists
- Work Family Balance & Well being: Implications of Technology by Dr. Joseph G. Grzywacz
- Digital Technologies and Families: Focus on Work-Family Balance by Dr. Susan Walker
Watch the recorded event here.
2. The impact of COVID19 Pandemic on Families and Children: Global Evidence and Policy Implications
The goal of the side event on The Impact of COVID19 Pandemic on Families and Children is to bring together civil society organizations, academia and UN entities to discuss the results of the global study on the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on family life across cultures. The meeting will provide an opportunity to highlight the important role of the family in achieving sustainable and inclusive societies. It will also allow to facilitate exchanges and collaboration amongst various stakeholders, identify and discuss challenges and family policies amid the pandemic.
Date and Time: 11 February 2021, 10:00am-11:15am (EST)
Watch the recorded event here.
Resources
EGM on “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: The role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all” In preparation for the CSocD59, UNDESA in collaboration with ITU and UNCTAD convened a virtual Expert Group Meeting on the priority theme from 4 to 7 August 2020.
- Implementation of the objectives of the International Year of the Family and its follow-up processes A/76/61-E/2021/4
- A/RES/75/153 as of 20 January 2020
The Commission will also host many side events to raise awareness about the priority theme. Download the draft list of side events (as of 24 January 2021)
For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/un-csocd59.
Publications
- Technology Use and Families: Implications for Work-family Balance and Parenting Education
- Family-oriented Priorities, Policies and Programmes in the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda
- Family Policies for Poverty Reduction, Work-Family Balance and Intergenerational Solidarity
- Men in Families and a Family Policy in Changing World
Meetings and Events
- Expert Group Meeting on “Megatrends and Families: Focus on Digital Technologies, Migration and Urbanization”, 7-8 September 2022
- "Families and Urbanization", International Day of Families Observance, 13 May 2022
- "Families and Migration" side event of the 60th Commission for Social Development (CSocD60), 9 February 2022
- Virtual Expert Group Meeting on “Families in Development: Focus on Modalities for IYF +30, Parenting Education and the Impact of COVID-19, 16-18 June 2020
