Remarks by Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, at Special High-Level Event by Group of Friends on Family "Uniting Nations for a Family Friendly World" (16 May 2016)

Mr. President,

It is a great privilege to participate in today's special event on the International Day of Families.

I would like to commend the 25-member Group of Friends of the family, its three Co-chairs, and particularly the Mission of Belarus for marking and highlighting the significance of this important international day at the United Nations.

As a proud member of the Group and a firm follower of the UN Charter and the International Bill of Human Rights, Pakistan unswervingly supports all efforts to strengthen the institution of family and to harness its full potential to realize our shared objectives of prosperity, peace and security, and harmony in the world.

We fully endorse the Statement of the Group of Friends on Family and support its circulation as an official document of the 70th General Assembly.

This year's commemoration comes at a turning point in the history of the United Nations. Challenges abound with families bearing the brunt of the different crises sweeping so many parts of the world. The crisis of forced migrants and displacement is but one of them, which is taking a heavy toll on families, especially children.

But it is also a moment of historic opportunity. As the international community embarks on implementation of the world's most ambitious and wide-ranging development agenda, families have a crucial role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The United Nations and member states must fully integrate the pivotal role of this indispensable institution in national and international efforts and policies to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Development Agenda.

Mr. President,

Human experience over the ages has shown that the family is the most fundamental unit of society and the foundation of a cohesive and harmonious community. The institution of family is not specific to a particular culture or religion. It has a vital place and is valued by different cultures and faiths.

The institution of the family has proven its utility in the nurturing and development of children and in providing a secure and enabling environment to women. It is also the best primary educator, a vital economic driver as well as the most comprehensive and compassionate social safety net for the unemployed, the elderly and the disabled.

These multi-faceted dimensions of the institution should be employed by member states and the relevant UN agencies in all programmes and policies, at all levels, to advance several SDG goals, including but not limited to eradicating poverty and hunger; improving health, education and nutrition; promoting women's empowerment and gender equality; reducing inequalities; preserving the environment and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

Mr. President,

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized the family as "the natural and fundamental unit of society" that is "entitled to protection by the society and state". It is, therefore, the direct responsibility of states, as of all international organizations, not only to preserve and protect this institution, but also to support it in every possible way, so that it can play its unique role as the most universal and fundamental institution of human society.

Let me conclude by congratulating you all on this auspicious occasion, by celebrating the vital contributions families make to achieving our shared goals and reiterating our commitment to supporting the key role of families in building a world free of want, discrimination and suffering; and also a world of hope and opportunity.

I thank you, Mr. President.