The NGO Committee on the Family New York invites you to attend

FOSTERING FAMILY-FRIENDLY CITIES

For the International Day of the Family
Tuesday, May 15th, 3-4:30 PM
Hardin Room, Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza

Speakers
Beth Pappas, New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
Dr. Timothy Nelson, Princeton University

Concept Note

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in urbanization. Many families in rural areas view the
‘big city’ as the solution to their economic and social woes and a way to improve family wellbeing. Yet
urban environments pose their own set of challenges, not only economically and socially, but also in
maintaining a cohesive family structure.

Families can encourage—or discourage—activities and attitudes that will in turn strengthen their
communities, their cities, and their nations. A strong and stable family life helps individual family
members to thrive, supporting them through life’s difficulties. These family members, in turn, contribute
to their communities socially, culturally, and economically.

As the Universal Declaration on Human Rights states, “The family is the natural and fundamental
group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State” (art. 16(3)). Therefore, family
life should be a central consideration in how cities are run. City officials and members of society can
make their cities more or less family friendly, including for migrant and low-income families, through
policies and programs in a broad range of areas of city management.

Speakers will present insights from their practical experiences working with families in urban
areas, including migrant families and low-income families. They will also explore how cities can make
families partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Please RSVP to attend at https://goo.gl/forms/BtdFfXgVlGRqOOLi2.