South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, May 15: The International Day of Families is being marked today across the world under the theme “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” According to the UN, the theme of 2026 underscores how widening inequalities are shaping family life and influencing children’s futures. It calls for stronger investment in integrated, family-oriented policies to reduce disparities and support healthy child development. “Families are central to social and economic progress, yet many face income insecurity, limited caregiving support and unequal access to essential services. Without adequate support, families with young children face higher risks of poverty, with lasting effects on children’s health, education and overall wellbeing,” the UN stated. Income instability, limited caregiving support and restricted access to services can hinder children’s development, especially when compounded by gender, racial, migrant or disability-based inequalities, it said. The event will also foster dialogue among Member States, UN entities and civil society, highlight good policy practices and launch a new research paper examining inequality trends and policy solutions in the context of the 2030 Agenda. —