International Day of Care and Support: Celebrating the Heart of Humanity

In every home, hospital, and community, unseen hands quietly sustain the world. They nurture, heal, teach, and comfort—forming the invisible network that allows societies to function. The International Day of Care and Support, observed globally on 29 October, shines a light on these caregivers and advocates for a future where care is recognized as both a human right and a shared responsibility.

Introduction

The Spirit of the Day

Care is the pulse of humanity. From the gentle touch of a parent to the skilled compassion of a nurse, caregiving is the universal language that connects people across generations and cultures. Yet despite its importance, much of this labor—especially unpaid or informal care—remains undervalued. The International Day of Care and Support honors the caregivers who sustain families, communities, and economies, calling for global recognition of their indispensable role.

The Global Context

Formally established by the United Nations in 2023, this observance emerged from decades of advocacy by women’s organizations, labor movements, and human-rights groups. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the fragility of care systems and the extent to which societies rely on underpaid, overworked caregivers. The day thus serves as a rallying point for equitable policies, inclusive growth, and a redefinition of what “work” truly means in human terms.

Understanding the Meaning of Care and Support

“Care” encompasses all actions that sustain life and promote well-being—feeding a child, tending to the sick, teaching, listening, comforting. “Support” extends this compassion into social, economic, and institutional frameworks: pensions, healthcare, disability services, and community assistance. Together, they form the moral infrastructure of civilization.

In economic terms, care and support include both paid and unpaid labor—from domestic workers and nurses to family caregivers and volunteers. In social terms, they represent the fabric of solidarity, ensuring that no one is left behind. Recognizing their value transforms care from a private duty into a public good essential to sustainable development.

The Evolution of the Concept of Care

Care has always existed, but how societies perceive and organize it has transformed dramatically across centuries. In traditional societies, caregiving was rooted in kinship and moral duty—a shared responsibility within families and communities. Women, in particular, were expected to provide unpaid domestic and emotional care as part of their social role.

As societies industrialized, caregiving began shifting from home to institutions. Hospitals, schools, and care homes emerged, reflecting the professionalization of health and social work. Governments and charitable organizations established systems for the sick, elderly, and vulnerable. Over time, care evolved from a private obligation to a recognized public service, creating new professions such as nursing, social work, and early childhood education.

Today, the concept of care is broad and multidimensional. It encompasses both emotional labor and technical expertise, extending beyond families to include community networks, non-profits, and state welfare systems. Modern understanding recognizes caregiving as essential social infrastructure—integral to human development, economic productivity, and social justice.

Institutional vs. Community Care Models

Globally, care is delivered through a combination of institutional and community-based models, each with distinct strengths and challenges.

• Institutional Care Models:daycare facilities
  • Delivered in formal settings such as hospitals, residential homes, or daycare facilities.
  • Provide structured, regulated services staffed by trained professionals.
  • Ensure consistent standards of care but can be resource-intensive and sometimes impersonal.
  • Common in developed nations with advanced welfare systems.
• Community and Family-Based Models:
  • Rooted in mutual aid, extended family systems, and local volunteer networks.
  • Offer emotional closeness, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability to community needs.
  • However, they often rely heavily on unpaid or informal labor—mostly by women—and may lack professional support.
  • Common across developing countries, rural areas, and collectivist cultures.

The most effective approach lies in integrated care systems that combine both models—leveraging the efficiency of formal institutions with the empathy and flexibility of community networks. Such hybrid systems ensure that caregiving remains accessible, humane, and sustainable, bridging the gap between personal compassion and public responsibility.

Historical Background

The recognition of care and support as a global priority has evolved through decades of advocacy, social reform, and gender-equality movements. The journey toward the International Day of Care and Support reflects growing awareness that caregiving is not merely a personal responsibility but a vital public good essential to human development.

Key Milestones in the Evolution of Global Care Recognition

• 1995 – Beijing Platform for Action:
  The Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, identified the unequal distribution of unpaid care work as a major barrier to gender equality. It urged governments to value and measure care work in national statistics and develop supportive social policies.
• Early 2000s – Expanding Global Awareness:
  International organizations, including the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UN Women, began advocating for care economy reforms, emphasizing decent work, social protection, and women’s empowerment.
• 2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic:
  The pandemic revealed the critical yet undervalued role of healthcare, domestic, and frontline care workers. It exposed systemic weaknesses in public-care infrastructure, wage inequality, and the emotional and physical strain placed on caregivers worldwide.
• 2021–2022 – Policy Mobilization:
  Civil-society organizations and labor unions intensified calls for comprehensive care systems, urging governments to integrate care work into national development agendas. Discussions at international forums underscored care as essential for recovery and resilience.
• 2023 – United Nations Recognition:
  The UN General Assembly, through Resolution A/RES/78/3, officially declared 29 October as the International Day of Care and Support. This landmark resolution recognized caregiving as a cornerstone of sustainable development and human well-being.

A Milestone for Global Equality

The establishment of this day marks a turning point in global policy discourse, symbolizing:

• The formal acknowledgement of care work as a key driver of social and economic development.
• The inclusion of care within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, linking it directly to gender equality (SDG 5), decent work (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).
• A renewed global commitment to reimagine care systems that are fair, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.

Why Care and Support Matter

1. The Human Foundation of Well-being

Every stage of life—birth, childhood, illness, old age—depends on someone’s care. Without it, health systems collapse, education falters, and families disintegrate. Caregiving safeguards dignity and nurtures human potential.

2. Economic Significance

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 75 percent of unpaid care work worldwide is performed by women. If monetized, this hidden labor would constitute 10–39 percent of global GDP. Yet it remains excluded from most economic statistics and policy planning. Investing in care infrastructure creates millions of decent jobs and boosts inclusive growth.

3. Social Cohesion and Equality

Care builds empathy, patience, and interdependence. It binds communities through shared responsibility. Societies that value care enjoy higher social trust, lower inequality, and stronger civic participation.

4. Gender Justice

Women’s disproportionate care burden limits their access to education, income, and leadership. Addressing this imbalance is vital for achieving gender equality and empowering women economically and socially.

The Global Call for Care

The International Day of Care and Support embodies a worldwide call to action:

• Recognize care work as a cornerstone of human development.
• Redistribute unpaid responsibilities through family-friendly policies.
• Reward care workers with fair wages, legal rights, and social protection.
• Reform institutions to create resilient, inclusive care systems.

The UN and its member states urge governments, private sectors, and civil societies to adopt the “5 Rs” Framework—Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute, Reward, and Represent care workers—to ensure equity and sustainability.

The Global Care Economy

Definition and Scope

The care economy encompasses healthcare, childcare, eldercare, education, domestic services, and disability support. It includes public and private providers, non-profits, and informal networks.

Scale of Contribution

• Unpaid care work: Predominantly performed by women at home.
• Paid care work: Represented by nurses, teachers, social workers, and domestic staff—sectors often undervalued and underpaid.
• Cross-border care: Millions of migrant workers supply labor to countries with ageing populations, forming “global care chains”.

Future Outlook

An estimated 475 million new jobs will be needed in health and social care sectors by 2030. Investing in these roles can strengthen economies and foster social resilience.

Gender and Care: Bridging the Inequality Gap

Women’s Unpaid Burden

Women spend on average three times more hours than men on unpaid care each day. This imbalance reduces their labor-market participation and lifetime earnings.

Men as Caregivers

Transforming social norms requires encouraging men to share domestic responsibilities through parental-leave policies and public campaigns. Equal caregiving benefits both genders and supports healthier family dynamics.

Intersectionality

Care inequality intersects with class, race, and migration. Poor and marginalized women often bear the heaviest loads while lacking access to resources or rights.

Challenges Facing Care Workers

1. Low or Non-existent Pay – Many care workers earn less than living wages or are unpaid family members.
2. Lack of Legal Protection – Domestic and informal workers often fall outside the scope of labor laws.
3. Health and Safety Risks – Long hours, emotional stress, and exposure to illness are common.
4. Social Invisibility – Cultural norms undervalue caregiving, leading to limited recognition.
5. Migration and Exploitation – Migrant care workers face discrimination, insecure status, and isolation.

Addressing these issues requires coordinated global efforts to regulate care sectors, ensure social security, and promote ethical recruitment.

Government and Institutional Responsibility

Policy Frameworks

Governments must embed care within national development strategies by:

• Expanding public childcare, eldercare, and disability services.
• Providing universal social protection for paid and unpaid caregivers.
• Enforcing decent-work standards and wage parity.
• Integrating care data into national statistics to inform policy.

Role of Employers

Organizations should promote flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and mental-health support. A supportive workplace culture enhances productivity, loyalty, and inclusion.

Role of Civil Society

NGOs and community groups can amplify caregivers’ voices, conduct research, and offer training programmes that professionalize the sector.

Care, Support, and the Sustainable Development Goals

The International Day of Care and Support advances multiple SDGs:

Building Inclusive Care Systems

1. Public Investment – Allocate budget for infrastructure such as crèches, community health centers, and elder-support hubs.
2. Professionalization – Standardize training, certification, and career progression.
3. Digital Innovation – Use technology for remote health monitoring, scheduling, and access to services.
4. Community Networks – Encourage local volunteer groups to provide mutual aid.
5. Sustainable Funding – Blend public finance with private and philanthropic contributions.

Regional Perspectives

Asia

Rapid urbanization and ageing populations intensify demand for care. Countries like Japan and South Korea have introduced national long-term-care insurance schemes.

Africa

Extended family systems traditionally provide informal care, but urban migration is straining these networks. Community-based programmes are filling the gap.

Europe

Welfare states recognize care as a social right, yet austerity measures have eroded public funding. Calls for “re-care-infixation” of policy are growing.

Latin America

Strong feminist movements have driven constitutional recognition of care rights, notably in Uruguay’s National Care System.

The Ethics of Care

The ethics of care philosophy, developed by feminist thinkers, asserts that moral reasoning is rooted in empathy and relationships rather than abstract rules. Applying this lens to governance means designing policies that prioritize human interdependence over profit or efficiency. A society that cares is a society that lasts.

Human Dignity at the Centre of Policy

Placing human dignity at the heart of public policy ensures that governance serves people rather than systems. True development is not measured only by economic indicators but by how effectively policies protect, empower, and uplift individuals.

• Moral Responsibility in Governance: Policies rooted in dignity recognize every person’s inherent worth, regardless of age, gender, income, or ability.
• Rights-Based Approach: Governments that uphold dignity align with international human-rights standards, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, education, and social protection.
• Inclusive Policymaking: Engaging citizens—especially caregivers, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities—creates fairer, more responsive systems.
• Accountability and Transparency: Placing people at the center strengthens trust between governments and citizens, promoting ethical decision-making and long-term stability.

When human dignity drives public policy, compassion becomes not an act of charity but a core principle of justice. It transforms governance from a bureaucratic exercise into a humane mission aimed at improving the quality of life for all.

Compassionate Governance: Leading with Empathy

Compassionate governance redefines leadership by placing empathy, care, and social well-being above narrow political or economic interests. It views citizens not as statistics but as individuals with lived experiences, aspirations, and vulnerabilities.

• Empathy in Decision-Making: Leaders who listen actively and understand diverse realities craft policies that address real human needs.
• People-Centered Administration: Compassionate leadership encourages inclusive institutions that deliver services with respect and fairness.
• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Empathy fosters collaboration, reduces conflict, and builds resilient communities.
• Global Examples: Nations that integrate empathy into governance—through universal healthcare, family-support policies, and care-sector investment—experience stronger social cohesion and trust.

In essence, compassionate governance merges emotional intelligence with administrative efficiency, ensuring that policies protect both livelihoods and lives. It moves leadership from authority to accountability—from commanding the system to caring for society.

Technology and the Future of Care

Artificial intelligence, robotics, and tele-health offer new possibilities but must complement—not replace—human compassion. Ethical deployment ensures technology eases workloads while preserving dignity. Examples include:

• AI-assisted elder monitoring to improve safety.
• Digital scheduling platforms that match caregivers with families.
• E-learning for continuous professional training.

Balanced innovation ensures that humanity remains at the heart of care.

Cultural Recognition and Storytelling

Media and art play crucial roles in reshaping how societies perceive care. Films, literature, and campaigns that depict caregiving as strength rather than sacrifice help transform public attitudes. Celebrating stories of caregivers—nurses, teachers, parents—humanizes policy debates and inspires collective respect.

Towards a Caring Economy

A caring economy prioritizes human well-being over profit maximization. Its pillars include:

• Universal access to social services.
• Gender-sensitive fiscal policy.
• Environmental sustainability linked with social care.
• Participation of care workers in decision-making.

Countries embracing this model witness not only economic growth but also higher happiness indices and lower inequality.

Celebrating the Day: Global Activities

Across the world, the International Day of Care and Support is marked by:

• Conferences and UN events spotlighting policy reforms.
• Community fairs showcasing caregiving services.
• Public campaigns honoring caregivers with awards or recognition.
• Educational programmes in schools and universities exploring empathy and civic duty.
• Social-media initiatives (#WorldCareDay, #CareAndSupport) are amplifying the voices of workers and families.

Such activities remind the world that care is not an act of charity but a shared investment in humanity.

The Road Ahead

The future of care depends on collective choices today. Nations must treat care infrastructure as essential as roads or power grids. Families must share responsibilities equitably. Businesses must view employee well-being as integral to success.

By 2030, the goal is a world where:

• Every caregiver enjoys dignity and fair pay.
• Every person in need receives adequate support.
• Care work is visible, valued, and integrated into national accounts.

This transformation requires courage, compassion, and collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the International Day of Care and Support?

The International Day of Care and Support is a global observance established by the United Nations and celebrated annually on 29 October. It recognizes the vital contribution of caregivers—both paid professionals and unpaid family members—who sustain human life through compassion, service, and dedication. The day aims to raise awareness, promote policy reform, and invest in equitable care systems that strengthen families, communities, and national well-being while ensuring dignity and justice for all care providers worldwide.

2. Why was this day created?

The United Nations created the International Day of Care and Support in 2023 to highlight the urgent need to value, professionalize, and protect care work. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how essential but undervalued care labor truly is, exposing gaps in social protection and gender equality. This day calls on governments and societies to recognize care as a public good, redistribute responsibilities fairly, and design inclusive policies that reward and respect the global caregiving workforce.

3. Who benefits from care and support systems?

Care and support systems benefit every segment of society—from children and the elderly to persons with disabilities, patients, and working families. Effective systems ensure that essential human needs—health, education, nutrition, and emotional support—are met with dignity and consistency. They promote community resilience, safeguard vulnerable groups, and enable economic productivity by allowing people, especially women, to participate fully in the workforce. In essence, care systems sustain both social welfare and long-term national development.

4. How does caregiving relate to gender equality?

Caregiving lies at the center of the global gender-equality debate. Women and girls perform nearly three-quarters of all unpaid care work, often limiting their access to education, employment, and leadership roles. Recognizing and redistributing care responsibilities—through family-friendly policies, childcare support, and social protection—empowers women economically and socially. It also encourages men’s active participation in caregiving, promoting balance, equality, and shared responsibility across households and workplaces, key to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

5. What can governments do to strengthen care systems?

Governments play a central role in creating sustainable and inclusive care systems. They can allocate public investment for community-based care services, enforce decent-work standards, and provide social protection for both formal and informal caregivers. Collecting gender-disaggregated data helps design equitable policies, while parental leave, flexible work, and childcare infrastructure reduce unpaid burdens. Through legislative reform and coordinated governance, states can build a care economy that fosters dignity, fairness, and human well-being.

6. How can individuals contribute?

Individuals can make a significant difference by valuing and supporting caregiving in their daily lives. Sharing domestic responsibilities equally, recognizing the emotional and physical labor of caregivers, and participating in community support initiatives are meaningful actions. Volunteering for local care programmes or advocating for policies that protect workers’ rights strengthens the overall care ecosystem. Small gestures of appreciation, empathy, and respect towards caregivers can collectively transform cultural attitudes and promote social cohesion.

7. How does this day connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

The International Day of Care and Support directly advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Health), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work). By emphasizing the economic and social value of caregiving, it promotes inclusive growth, reduces inequalities, and strengthens public welfare systems. Recognizing care as essential infrastructure supports the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering a world built on equity, compassion, and shared prosperity.

Conclusion

The International Day of Care and Support is more than a date on the calendar—it is a declaration of our shared humanity. It calls on governments to legislate, businesses to prioritize well-being, and individuals to act with empathy. When we value care, we build resilience; when we support caregivers, we sustain life itself.

As the world observes this day each 29 October, let it not be a fleeting gesture but a continuing commitment—to celebrate, invest in, and expand the heart of humanity: care and support.