Joining Forces Observes International Day of Families - Calls for Adoption of Sustainable Practices to Combat Climate Change

For immediate release

Wednesday, 15th May 2024, Lusaka: The International Day of Families is observed on 15th May every year. The United Nations General Assembly established it in 1993 (resolution 47/237) to raise awareness of the issues relating to families, their central role in the sustainable development of our societies and the need for action to provide them with the widest protection and assistance.

In observance of the International Day of Families, The Joining Forces Alliance joins the global community in recognizing the pivotal role of families in addressing climate change. This year's theme, "Families and Climate Change," underscores the urgent need for collective action at the family level to combat the environmental challenges confronting our planet.

As an alliance, we call on families to be the centre of this crisis that the world is currently facing: climate change. Families possess untapped potential to drive positive change in the face of climate adversity. By adopting sustainable practices such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly consumption, families can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We recognize that families serve as the cornerstone of society, nurturing values, traditions, and behaviours that shape our relationship with the environment. As we confront the escalating threats posed by climate change, it is important that we mobilize families as catalysts for sustainable change. The decisions we make within our households have far-reaching implications for the health of our planet and future generations.

Climate change, which has been necessitated by human activities, has resulted in extreme weather conditions such as increased temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns. Climate change has negative effects on families and particularly poses threats to children’s survival.

Severe weather conditions such as floods affect the built environment, which includes homes, schools, and infrastructure.

Floods put families at risk of losing their lives, becoming homeless due to damaged houses and roads, and isolating communities from their families and essential services critical to the well-being of children. Climate change also affects the health and well-being of families.

Increased temperatures and heatwaves are hazardous to vulnerable people such as the elderly, the poor and those with disabilities. Children are also vulnerable to catching diseases as their immune systems are still developing and are susceptible to catching diseases.

The natural environment, which is a source of livelihood for families, is also negatively affected by climate change. High temperatures and changes in rainfall affect the river system, plants, and animals. This results in many families living in poverty with food and water Joining Forces Allian ce shortages, low income, and poor health. Decreased access to water increases protection risks for women and children as they have to cover long distances to fetch water.

The drought currently experienced in Zambia is a clear testimony of the effects of climate change. According to the drought appeal published on 7th May 2024, Zambia is experiencing the driest agricultural season in more than 40 years with more than 9 million people in 84 out of 117 districts affected and 6.6 million people in need.

Education and awareness are paramount in empowering families to act against climate change. Through initiatives that promote environmental literacy and foster eco-conscious behaviours, we can equip families with the knowledge to combat climate change positively.

As we commemorate the International Day of Families, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our planet for current and future generations. We call on everyone to connect the power of families as agents of change and resilience in the face of climate adversity.

Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable world for all.

For more information, please contact:

• Petronella Chindumba - Email: petronella.chindumba@sos-zambia.org or Call: +260967892901
• Musenge Chipwende - Email: Musenge.Chipwende@plan-international.org or Call: +260977687136
• Hermis Maunda - Email: Hermis.Maunda@savethechildren.org or Call: +260 979 597429
• Priscilla Chama - Email: pchama@childfund.org or Call +260 977450009
• Kambani Phiri - Email : Kambani_Phiri@wvi.org or Call:+ +260 970 937954

Notes to the Editor:

In 2017, the six largest child-focused agencies, ChildFund International, Piao International, Save the Children International, SOS Children's Villages, Terre des Hommes International Federation, and World Vision International, joined forces. We aim to use our collective power to accelerate change to secure children's rights and end violence against them. We will pilot and scale innovative and effective approaches worldwide that are driven by children's voices and needs.

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