International Day of Families and Global Day of Parents 2026: “Honoring Parents, Strengthening Families, Inspiring Youth and Serving the Community”

On May 31, 2026, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF)-Cambodia and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU)-Cambodia jointly hosted a significant gathering to commemorate the International Day of Family and the Global Day of Parents. The event brought together parents, youth, and community leaders to reflect on the vital role of the family as the school of love and the foundation of a peaceful society.

Mr. Chamroeun Sophal, Regional Director of UPF-Indochina, opened the program by warmly welcoming all participants and explaining the meaning of the Global Day of Parents, proclaimed by the United Nations to honor parents worldwide for their selfless commitment to children. He emphasized that this day is not merely a celebration but a call to recognize the sacred bond between parents and children—a relationship built on unconditional love, sacrifice, and mutual respect. He noted that the quality of this relationship directly shapes a child’s character and the future of any nation. Without strong parent-child relationships, he argued, communities struggle to pass down moral values and social stability.

Mrs. Ursula McLackLand, President of UPF-Asia Pacific then congratulated the event and addressed the importance of family, which support the UN that established to highlight the family as the basic unit of society. She presented a practical and inspiring framework for building strong, loving, and healthy families through what she called the “Four Great Realms of Love”: children’s love, sibling love, conjugal love, and parental love. She explained that when each realm is nurtured—starting with the pure heart of a child, growing through filial piety and fraternal care, maturing in the commitment of marriage, and culminating in the sacrificial nature of parenthood—families become resilient and joyful. Her message encouraged families to practice daily acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service to one another.

Dr. Chhort Bunthang, Deputy Director-General, Cambodia Institute of International Relations, Royal Academy of Cambodia as the special guest, affirmed that the family is the essential foundation for a healthy society and nation. Drawing from both Cambodian cultural values and universal principles, he offered practical advice: children should honor their parents through obedience, gratitude, and caring for them in old age; parents, in turn, should treat children with patience, fairness, and moral guidance, avoiding harsh criticism or neglect. He stressed that when families function well, social problems such as violence, corruption, and youth alienation decrease significantly.

Dr. Tang Kimsruy, President of FFWPU-Cambodia closed the event by inspiring parents and youth to go beyond mere celebration and actively inherit the tradition of “True Parents”—a life of pure love, integrity, and service. He urged every participant to become, in daily life, a True Parent, True Teacher, and True Owner: one who leads by example, educates with virtue, and takes responsibility for their family, community, and nation. He called on youth to rise as leaders of peace and on parents to model unwavering love, thus contributing to a flourishing Cambodia and a harmonious world.