PUTRAJAYA: The United Nations (UN) has recognised the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) by inviting it to present its best practices at a forum held in New York, USA, from May 15 to 16.
The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry said that the forum was held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Families (IDF) 2024, celebrated annually on May 15 since 1994 as designated by the UN.
"This recognition highlights the ministry's commitment to empowering families through education and advocacy to effectively address climate action. Without drastic measures, the impact of climate change will become increasingly challenging to manage and will adversely affect families," it said in a statement Wednesday (May 15).
The ministry noted that these negative impacts could affect family health and well-being through increased pollution and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, which can disrupt agriculture, cause loss of homes, and lead to unemployment.
Therefore, the family component has been integrated into the national development agenda under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan to address current issues and stimulate Malaysia's socio-economic development for long-term sustainability and prosperity.
The ministry announced that this year's theme, Families and Climate Change, aims to increase awareness regarding the effects of climate change on families and highlight the roles they can undertake in addressing the problem and initiating action.
The ministry, through LPPKN, and in collaboration with the International Federation for Family Development, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the Doha International Family Institute, organised a pre-celebration event on Feb 28 and 29 by organising the Asian Regional Expert Group Meeting.
Various initiatives have been undertaken to support and strengthen family institutions and create an environment conducive to the development of family institutions, including the formulation of Family-Friendly Policies.
To commemorate three decades of IDF, the ministry stated its ongoing commitment to strengthen families in facing various complex issues, especially economic pressures and rapid technological advancements, which undoubtedly require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts from all parties involved. - Bernama
