PURPOSE: The International Day of Family remittances in observed every year on 17 June; Remittances connect migrant workers to their families financially. Remittances, or “cross-border person-to-person payments of relatively small value,” serve as a vital lifeline to the developing world. In order to support remittance families build resilience in times of crisis and inspire others. Sending money home is a way for migrants to stay connected with their families and show their love and support, no matter the distance.

FORUM: “Digital remittances towards financial inclusion and cost reduction.” International Day of Remittances 2023. The theme of the campaign recognizes the positive impact of digital remittances not only on reducing transfer costs but also on enabling financial and digital inclusion among the most vulnerable groups of senders and recipients.The IDFR is now globally recognized and is a key initiative in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Objective 20), which urges the reduction of transfer costs and greater financial inclusion through remittances. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #familyremittances, #16June, #FinancialInclusion, #DigitalRemittances.

EVENTS: This year, the IDFR will be observed in conjunction with the GFRID Summit 2023 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya. On June 16th to mark the International Day of Remittances 2023 as part of the biannual campaign “Digital remittances towards financial inclusion and cost reduction”, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special adviser on Africa (OSAA) and The World Bank will organize a in-person event in observance of the International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR). During the observance ceremony, participants will discuss: Migrant and diaspora contributions: rescuing champions towards the achievement of SDGs by 2030 • Realities of the SDGs in 2023 • Remittance families and SDGs  • Migrants and Diasporas: beneficiaries, investors or partners?; Panellists will revie the Roadmap of the Global Compact objectives 19 and 20  • Global Compact objective 19: Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries  • Global Compact objective 20: Promote faster and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants.

AWARDS: In observance of the 2023 IDFR on June 16th, and as part of the campaign, the 2023 IDFR Awards will be presented to those entities, groups, companies and organizations which best embody the values of the Day and have served the needs and interests of remittance families over the years. In response to the United Nations Member States’ call for global efforts in support of the IDFR objectives, awardees will be invited to become honorary representatives of the IDFR through IFAD’s family remittances campaign. The awardees will be selected from the public and private sectors and the civil society by April 2023 for their outstanding activities, innovative initiatives and services or advocacy efforts.

STATEMENTS:

• Message from the U.N. Secretary-General on International Day of Family Remittances 2023; June 16th.

• Message from the IOM Director General on International Day of Family Remittances 2023; June 16th.

• Message from Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the IFAD on International Day of Family Remittances 2023; June 16th.

PODCASTS: In recognition of the high cost of sending remittances, we are calling for a further reduction in transfer fees. While the cost of sending money has been reduced by half over the last five years, it still represents, on average, 7.13 per cent of the amount sent. In many places, costs are much higher, for example in Sub-Saharan Africa senders can spend as much as 9.3 per cent. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Address on Twenty-First Century Migration, Family Life and the Contribution of Remittances to Poverty Reduction.Through your digital platforms raise and spread awareness on the crucial role played by migrants and the importance of remittances in achieving the SDGs. You can find specifically designed templates to tell your stories. Get the campaign materials!