International Day of Family Remittances

International Day of Family Remittances History

International Day of Family Remittances aims to recognize the crucial socio-economic contribution made by millions of migrant workers who send money home to their families. This day highlights the financial impact of these remittances, which provide essential support to migrants’ relatives, foster sustainable development in their home countries, and encourage inclusiveness. By commemorating this day, the international community seeks to acknowledge the resilience of these migrants and the importance of their efforts in bridging the economic gap between nations.

Established by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in 2015, International Day of Family Remittances supports the progress towards fulfilling the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This observance holds great importance for the United States, as it is home to a significant number of migrant workers from around the world. In 2019, approximately 45% of the world's remittance flow originated from the US, with over $148 billion being sent to various countries, making it the largest source of remittances worldwide. Migrants from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa contribute immensely to US economic growth while simultaneously supporting their families back home.

To observe International Day of Family Remittances in America, various institutions, including financial service providers, governments, and non-profit organizations, showcase their commitment to supporting migrant workers and their families. Efforts are made to enhance awareness about the importance of remittances, lower transaction costs, and develop innovative, inclusive financial services that cater to migrants' needs. International Day of Family Remittances takes place annually on June 16th, acting as a constant reminder of the vital role played by millions of immigrants in building stronger economies and promoting international development.

Top 10 Facts for International Day of Family Remittances in 2026

• The International Day of Family Remittances was officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 to recognize the fundamental contribution of over 200 million migrant workers who send money home to support more than 800 million family members.
• The specific theme for the 2026 observance is Remittances for Rural Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Employment, focusing on how these financial flows can drive decent work and local economic transformation in rural communities.
• These private transfers are part of a larger decennial campaign running from 2020 to 2030 titled Supporting one billion people reach their own Sustainable Development Goals.
• Remittances to low- and middle-income countries have reached a scale where they now exceed the combined totals of all official development assistance and foreign direct investment, serving as a critical lifeline for approximately one in seven people globally.
• Economist Dilip Ratha famously characterized these personal transfers as "Dollars wrapped with love" during his influential TED Talk, The hidden forces in global economics: sending money home.
• The observance is a key instrument for implementing Objective 20 of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which calls for the reduction of remittance transfer costs to less than 3 percent.
• Approximately 50 percent of all global remittance flows go to rural areas, where they are primarily used for essentials such as food, healthcare, and education, directly addressing the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
• Despite the high total volume, the average amount sent by a migrant worker is relatively small, typically ranging between $200 and $300 per month.
• The 2026 campaign places a particular emphasis on the role of diaspora capital in strengthening rural markets and creating employment opportunities for youth and women.
• International organizations like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) serve as the primary custodians of the day, working to transition remittance recipients from mere consumption to sustainable financial inclusion.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day of Family Remittances

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Watch the IFAD's 2020 International Day of Family Remittances video if you missed it.

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