There is no greater gift than family. Every year on May 15th, the UN recognizes one of the strongest bonds of love by celebrating the International Day of Families. In 1993, the General Assembly decided this day should be used to spread awareness of issues affecting families, as well as the latest social, economic, and demographic trends.
As the world changes rapidly, so does the family unit. Fertility rates are lower, families are moving away to find better economic opportunities, and individual family members are living longer. These changes can affect families in different ways, and on May 15th, the UN will share how we can best support modern families.
This year’s International Day of Families celebrates the theme, Families and Demographic Change. Keep reading to learn more about the changes affecting families today, as well as how we can all continue to uplift and protect today’s families.
What are the changes facing families today?
With all the changes facing our modern world, families are going through their own changes. Families are experiencing lower fertility rates, higher mortality rates, and are migrating for better financial opportunities.
The UN recognizes that these changes can affect families in multiple ways. Lower fertility rates mean parents have more flexibility to invest in their children’s health and education. Families are seeing their children succeed in more ways than ever before. However, the UN is worried that fewer family members mean fewer people to rely on in the family, potentially leaving aging individuals more vulnerable.
Additionally, families are migrating to seek a better life. Families and sole members are moving to higher-income countries for better economic opportunities. This allows families to connect with their heritage and culture in new ways, as well as become familiar with an entirely new culture. Also, migrating to countries with lower fertility rates helps to offset the consequences of an aging population.
The UN wants to continue to protect families and ensure they have all the support they need. On May 15th, the UN will share information about how families can stay connected and strong by focusing on intergenerational equity and solidarity. So, even as the family unit shifts and changes, we can all continue to protect every member of the family.
How does Western Union support changing families?
We’ve responded to the changes facing families today with modern solutions. Today, families need support in new financial ways that support the modern family. We help families stay connected with one another no matter where they live in the world.
Options beyond traditional banking
As families begin to migrate all over the world, it’s likely they’ll no longer have access to traditional banking or will need something more. Today’s families hold their money in multiple accounts or need ways to exchange it in multiple currencies. Flexibility with your money is essential for today’s family unit, and Western Union allows account holders to send money to multiple accounts or mobile wallets and convert money into over 150 currencies.
Easier connections for your global footprint
Today’s families are interested in connecting with their heritage and valuing their culture no matter where they live in the world. Western Union helps you stay connected to your relatives and loved ones across borders and seas. You can send money to more than 200 countries and territories to provide a special meal for a holiday you used to celebrate together, buy a birthday gift, or simply help out. No matter where your dreams and opportunities take you in the world, you can remain connected to your family and your culture.
A reliable way to send money back home
Even halfway across the world, you can still send money overseas to friends, family, or loved ones. Whether it’s to help pay bills or to send a thoughtful gift, Western Union can help you send a money transfer.
In direct relation to the UN’s goal of intergenerational solidarity, Western Union helps you connect with relatives even at a distance. Show your children how easy it is to connect with relatives in other countries by downloading Western Union’s app. Then, if you haven’t already, explain why it’s important that family members support one another in times of need.
Supporting your life goals
Many families are migrating across the world to pursue better economic opportunities. Bettering yourself for your family is one of the best things you can do, and Western Union is here to help however we can. It is our belief that we all win when we help people reach their goals. In whichever way you need, Western Union is here to be your financial partner and keep you connected to your family and loved ones no matter where you live in the world.
