In July 2023, the United Nations General Assembly, through a groundbreaking resolution proclaimed an International Day of Care and Support, to be commemorated annually on 29 October. This day aims to emphasize the importance of caregiving, recognize the contributions of caregivers, and advocate for policies and initiatives that support and enhance care in all its forms.

To celebrate the first International Day of Care and Support, ESCAP in collaboration with UN Women, ILO and UNDP will be holding a virtual commemoration. This event will include a compilation of messages from heads of agencies and followed by a moderated, interactive panel of care stakeholders, including representatives from government, the private sector, care worker organizations and civil society. As an additional highlight, a 15-minute video has been created, encompassing messages from partners affiliated with the Global Alliance for Care, which ESCAP recently joined. This virtual commemoration serves as the second initiative of the Global Care Alliance in the Asia-Pacific region. Its primary objective is to raise awareness about the significance of care and support, emphasizing their pivotal roles in advancing gender equality, promoting healthy aging, and ensuring the sustainability of our societies and economies.