International Day of Care and Support 2025: UN Calls for Global Investment in the Care Economy
New Delhi, October 29:
Today, the world marks the International Day of Care and Support, a global observance proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2023 to be celebrated every year on October 29. The day aims to recognize and promote the essential role of care and support systems — including both paid and unpaid work — in building equitable, sustainable, and inclusive societies.
The theme for this year emphasizes “Investing in Care for a Sustainable Future,” urging governments, businesses, and communities to strengthen care infrastructure, improve working conditions for caregivers, and acknowledge the economic and social value of care work — especially that performed by women.
A Milestone for Social Justice and Equality
According to the UN, the care and support sector is one of the largest yet most undervalued components of the global economy. It includes activities such as childcare, eldercare, disability support, healthcare, and unpaid domestic labor — responsibilities that disproportionately fall on women and girls.
“Recognizing care as essential work is not just about compassion; it’s about justice, equality, and sustainable growth,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing the need for public investment and policy reforms that protect care workers’ rights.
The Global Care Economy
Globally, women perform more than three-quarters of unpaid care work, contributing billions of hours daily without financial recognition. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that the care economy could create up to 475 million jobs by 2030 if adequately funded and formalized.
However, most care workers — especially those in informal sectors — still lack social protection, fair wages, and decent working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the fragility of care systems, placing immense pressure on healthcare and domestic workers while highlighting their indispensable role in societal resilience.
India’s Perspective
In India, the care and support system forms the backbone of household and community welfare. Yet, the majority of domestic and care work remains unpaid and unrecognized, often performed by women in rural and low-income urban households.
Experts believe that investing in the Indian care economy could not only enhance gender equality but also boost GDP growth by increasing women’s participation in the workforce. Initiatives like expanding access to affordable childcare, eldercare services, and health insurance coverage are key steps toward this goal.
The Call for Action
The United Nations and partner organizations are calling on countries to:
- Recognize care and support as a human right and a public good.
- Integrate care policies into national economic and social strategies.
- Ensure fair pay, social protection, and training for care workers.
- Collect and analyze data on unpaid and underpaid care work.
- Promote gender equality through shared household responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
As the world faces overlapping crises — from aging populations to climate change and health emergencies — the demand for care and support services will continue to grow. The International Day of Care and Support serves as a reminder that investing in care is investing in humanity itself.
By valuing and strengthening care systems, nations can move toward a future that is more equal, inclusive, and sustainable for all.
📅 Fact File:
- Day: International Day of Care and Support
- Date: 29 October (annually)
- Established by: United Nations General Assembly, June 2023
- Purpose: To recognize and promote care and support systems, including unpaid domestic and community work, and encourage investment in the global care economy.
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