Welcome to the United Nations
7th February 2024, UN Headquarters New York, CSocD62 Side Event organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, UNDESA Division for Inclusive Social Development, and International Federation for Family Development.
Main Goal. Highlight the United Nations Secretary General's recommendation to better observe the 30th Anniversary of the International Year with a focus on understanding the impact of megatrends, particularly climate change, on families.
Youth Participation. Youth representatives delivered a joint statement highlighting the challenges younger generations face in areas such as employment, income, and family dynamics. A notable portion of Generation Z expressed apprehensions about the impact of climate change on their decision to start families, a phenomenon termed the "climate baby dilemma."
Evidence-based Perspectives. Academic experts specializing in migration, urbanization, and demographic shifts shared their policy suggestions, emphasizing the necessity for holistic family policies and the active involvement of youth in decision-making processes.
IFFD Awards 2024. The Blue Tree Foundation received recognition for their work in promoting hope for youth by preventing and overcoming school violence, prioritizing help to families who suffer it, taking the lead in protecting the human and education rights of marginalized youth, and providing professional services.
Civil Society Declaration for the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family. This declaration underscores the imperative for comprehensive support systems, climate change education, mental health services, and inclusive policy frameworks. It advocates for collaborative action to address the challenges confronting young families and proposes sustainable solutions for a resilient future.
Policy Recommendations.
- Develop strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on families by addressing challenges related to food security, housing, energy poverty, and health through initiatives such as family strengthening, networking, and parenting programs.
- Promote understanding of the proactive role of families in the circular economy and advocate for appropriate legislation and education to support it.
- Highlight the involvement of the younger generation in addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change.
- Engage the private sector in environmental, social, and governance efforts to address climate change impacts.
Participation. 80 attendees in sum. 3 Academic Experts, 10 Member States (Kenya, France, India, Thailand, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Hungary, Indonesia, South Africa), Unicef, UN-DESA, 15 NGOs (IFFD, Family Talks, DIFI, Blue Tree Foundations, Concepts of Truth, DNA Foundation, Instituto de Análisis de Política Familiar, SOS Children Villages, China Great Wall Society, Tinker Institute of international Law, Green Mentors, The Grail, Family Civility Institute, Madonna University, Asia Initiatives).
For more information about the 62nd Commission for Social Development (CSocD62), please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/csocd/62nd
Source: IFFD