A group of Chinese and foreign families from Beijing celebrated the International Day of Families at the China Soong Ching Ling Science &Culture Center for Young People on May 13. Themed “empowering families with technology and jointly creating a beautiful life,” the celebration featured technology experience, cultural exchanges and DIY experience. More than 200 participants from nearly 10 countries, including China, Pakistan, Cuba, Mongolia, Mexico, South Sudan, India and Indonesia were present at the celebration. With families as the bond, the celebratory event aimed to promote friendship and understanding between people in the Chinese capital and those from across the world.

　　Empowering Families: Embracing Magic Technology
　　With parent-child activities, including immersive experience of AI-powered robots, remote sensors popularizing the aviation knowledge, and low-carbon electric generator, Chinese and foreign families were offered a chance to explore science and ignite the whole family’s enthusiasm for science. They were also captivated by the fun science show and brilliant bubble show. The event brought Chinese and foreign families closer and enhanced their friendship, and also exhibited the vitality of Beijing as an international hub for technological innovation. “The event brought Chinese and foreign families together, and integrated fun and knowledge. My whole family find it meaningful to spend the International Day of Families in this way,” Hou Ning, whose family was recognized as a national exemplary family.

　　Family-to-Family Exchanges: Enhancing Friendship Through Cultural Integration
　　The Chinese kong fu show and shadow puppetry Havoc in Heavenly Palace showcased the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture, winning loud applause from the audience. Masters of intangible cultural heritage gave participating families instructions on how to make paper cutting, woodblock printing, movable-type printing and moon-shape silk fan painting, linking different families through cultural exchanges. Octavio Fernandez from Mexico and now a Spanish host in China’s CGTN participated the celebratory event with his family. “We participated in many science games and craft making activities, which helped us know more about the Chinese family culture. I hope the world as a big family will live in harmony and amity.” 

　　It was the sixth time that Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges assisted Beijing Women’s Federation in hosting celebrations for the International Day of Families. The Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges invited foreign families from six countries to the event. Jiao Yutong, deputy head of Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and head of the Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges, attended the opening ceremony. The event was supported by China Soong Ching Ling Science &Culture Center for Young People, the department of international exchanges of China Media Group, the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Beijing Diplomatic Service, Shunyi District foreign affairs office and Beijing Association of Marriage and Family Development.

　　International Day of Families
　　On December 8, 1989, the 44th United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution and declared the year 1994 as the International Year of the Family. In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution that May 15 every year should be observed as the International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity for governments and the public to understand issues relating to families and promote harmony, happiness and progress of families.