Bandar seri begawan: The International Day of Families, celebrated annually on May 15th, underscores a global initiative and reflects Brunei Darussalam's dedication to reinforcing the family institution as a cornerstone of societal well-being. As a member of ASEAN, Brunei upholds its commitment through the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on the Importance of the Family for Community Development and Nation-Building 2021. This year's celebration, themed 'Families, Inequalities and Child Well-Being,' sheds light on prevalent global challenges, particularly social inequalities and economic pressures that threaten family stability, such as economic insecurity, rising living costs, and disparities in access to education and healthcare.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, emphasized in his message for the International Day of Families 2026 that Brunei's family intervention strategies have become more comprehensive and strategic. These efforts focus on restoring and strengthening family resilience. Notably, a 58 percent reduction in family cases referred to the Family Unit at the Department of Community Development was recorded in 2025, with cases decreasing from 62 in the previous year to 26. This decline highlights the success of early intervention, family counselling, mediation, and specific welfare support in constructively resolving conflicts.
Focusing on child well-being, the recorded decrease in child-related cases-from 188 in 2024 to 172 in 2025-signals the ongoing need to fortify family support and protection systems. Effective case management is guided by prioritizing the best interests of the child, utilizing comprehensive social assessments, integrated interventions, and coordinated inter-agency support. These measures aim to ensure a stable, safe, and conducive family environment for children's holistic development. Yang Berhormat urged all stakeholders to collaborate, ensuring every family receives the necessary support to maintain peace, harmony, and stability in Brunei.