IFFD Briefing & Award Ceremony 2027

Family Policies for Every Generation.
Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of Inequality

Side-Event during the Commission on Social Development
Wednesday, February 2027. 
United Nations Headquarters, New York

Co-sponsored by
the Division of Inclusive Social Development of UN-DESA (TBC)

In collaboration with, 
Family Talks (Brazil)

Background Note

The 65th session of the Commission for Social Development focuses on intergenerational approaches to social development and on putting the Copenhagen and Doha commitments into practice towards 2030 and beyond.

Where we start in life still shapes much of where we end up. In OECD countries, it could take five generations for a child from a low-income family to reach average income. Families are where advantage and disadvantage are passed on, and also where the cycle can be broken.

This year’s IFFD Briefing follows up on recent United Nations discussions on families and inequality, including the 2026 expert group meeting and the observance of the International Day of Families. It looks at the role of each family member, from children and young people to parents and grandparents, and at the family policies that help every generation do better than the last.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

– Show how inequality passes between generations through family life
– Highlight the role of every family member in breaking that cycle
– Share family and parenting policies that work, from countries at different income levels
– Promotecare shared more equally between mothers and fathers, and across generations
– Bring the family perspective into the Commission’s discussion of its priority theme
– Encourage partnerships between governments, the United Nations system and civil society

Key Themes and Challenges

– Early childhood: Giving every child a fair start through income support, childcare and parenting support.
– Parents: Paid leave for mothers and fathers, and shared responsibility at home with fair share of care and support.
– Young people:the move from school to work, and towards starting a family
– Grandparents and older persons: their role as carers, and their own income security and care needs
– Policies across generations: support for one generation that strengthens the others

Agenda

Opening Remarks

Panel Discussion

IFFD Awards Ceremony

Closing Remakrs