Strengthening the families at the heart of every child’s future

Today, on the International Day of Families, UNICEF recognizes the vital role families play in shaping the lives, wellbeing, and future of every child. This year’s global theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” reminds us that growing inequalities continue to shape the experiences of families and directly affect children’s opportunities to survive, develop, and thrive.

Families are where children first experience love, protection, learning, and belonging. They are the foundation upon which children build their sense of identity, security, confidence and hope. Strong, nurturing family relationships provide the foundation for children’s healthy development, emotional wellbeing, and resilience throughout life.

On this day, UNICEF also recognizes the dedication and tireless efforts of mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers whose daily care, sacrifices and support help children feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Across the world, families are navigating increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, climate-related shocks, conflict, migration, mental health concerns, and the rapid pace of social and technological change are reshaping family life and placing growing pressure on caregivers and children alike.

In Maldives, these global shifts are being experienced within a unique island context. While families remain at the heart of communities and social life, many parents and caregivers are balancing the realities of modern life across geographically dispersed islands and rapidly changing social environments.

Families are navigating the opportunities and risks of digital spaces alongside children, managing work and caregiving responsibilities, and responding to growing concerns around children’s mental wellbeing, social pressures, and online safety. Additionally, differences in access to services and support across islands can place additional strain on families and affect children’s ability to access timely care and protection.

These pressures do not affect all families equally. Families facing poverty, exclusion, disability, or limited access to services often have fewer resources and support systems to cope, increasing the risk that children will be left behind.

At the same time, evidence consistently shows that supportive and nurturing family environments are among the strongest protective factors in a child’s life. Positive caregiving, responsive parenting, and strong family relationships help children develop resilience, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and the skills they need to succeed in school, relationships, and society.

Supporting families, therefore, is not only a social responsibility — it is one of the most important investments countries can make to reduce inequalities and improve child wellbeing. Strong families contribute to stronger communities, more inclusive societies, and better outcomes for future generations.

This is why UNICEF Maldives continues to work with Government and partners to strengthen family systems and parenting support across the country. Through initiatives such as the Joint Positive Parenting Programme ‘Beleniveriyaa’ , and the national ‘Udhuhilan’ campaign on prevention and response to violence against children, efforts are underway to equip parents and caregivers with practical skills, strengthen prevention efforts, and create safer, more nurturing environments for children.

UNICEF also continues to advocate for parenting support to be integrated into the systems families interact with every day — including health services, schools, early childhood education, community services, and social protection programmes. Families should not have to navigate challenges alone; they should be supported through systems that are accessible, responsive, and family-friendly.

On this International Day of Families, UNICEF Maldives calls for renewed commitment to:

• Strengthen family-centred policies and services that support parents and caregivers throughout a child’s life course.
• Expand access to positive parenting support, mental health services, and early intervention services for families and children.
• Promote family-friendly workplace policies that enable caregivers to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
• Reduce inequalities in access to services and support, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized families.
• Support families in navigating digital risks and promoting children’s online safety and wellbeing.
• Invest in social service systems and community-based support mechanisms that strengthen families before challenges escalate into crisis.
• Protect children from violence, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices in all settings.

Building a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society begins with strengthening families. When families are supported, children are more likely to grow up safe, healthy, connected, and able to reach their full potential.

Today and every day, UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to working alongside Government, communities, partners, and families themselves to ensure that every child in Maldives grows up in a safe, nurturing, and supportive family environment.

Because every child deserves a strong foundation — and every family deserves the support to provide it.