Milestones
#FamilyRemittances2013
Call from the private sector during the Global Forum on Remittances 2013 in Bangkok for the establishment of an International Day to recognize the fundamental contribution made by migrant workers to their families and communities. IFAD, as a specialized United Nations agency, with support from the private sector, was designated to lead the process.
2015
The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) endorsed by IFAD’s Governing Council on 16 February 2015. First celebration held on June 16 during the Global Forum on Remittances and Development in Milan. Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was Patron of the Day.
2016
Endorsements received from private-sector companies, including money transfer operators. Mention of the IDFR in the United Nations Secretary General’s Resolution and Report on International Migration and Development.
2017
Additional endorsements received from numerous international organizations and leading private-sector companies. Third celebration of the IDFR at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the occasion of the Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development.
2018
On 12 June 2018, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the International Day of Family Remittances as a universally recognized observance. New partners and supporters from private and civil society sectors have endorsed the Day.
In December, UN Member States adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the first, intergovernmentally negotiated agreement to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Objective 20 of the Global Compact includes the IDFR as actionable tool for its implementation.
2019
Launch of the IDFR 2020-2030 Campaign– “Supporting one billion people reach their own SDGs”, to engage the public and private sectors, and the civil society, in taking action to unlock the full potential of remittances towards sustainable development.
2020
Responding to the COVID-19 crisis, launch of the IDFR 2020 Campaign – “Building resilience in times of crisis” calling upon governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations to act together as ONE to support migrant workers and their families in building resilience at this time of crisis.