A/RES/59/147 Aware that families are affected by social and economic changes, manifested as observable worldwide trends, and that the causes and consequences of those trends concerning families have to be identified and analysed, Noting with concern the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on family life, as well as the devastating effects on family life of other infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, Noting with concern also the devastating effects of difficult social and economic conditions, armed conflicts and natural disasters on family life, Recognizing the important role of non-governmental organizations, at both the local and the national levels, working in the interest of families, Aware that there is a need for continued inter-agency cooperation on the family in order to generate greater awareness of family issues among the governing bodies of the United Nations system, Recalling that the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family will be observed and celebrated during the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly, Having considered the report of the Secretary-General, 1 1. Notes that the follow-up to the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family is an integral part of the agenda and the multi-year programme of work of the Commission for Social Development until 2006; Urges Governments to continue to take sustained action at all levels 2. concerning family issues, including applied studies and research, in order to promote the role of families in development and develop concrete measures and approaches to address national priorities in dealing with family issues; Urges the international community to address family-related concerns 3. within the framework of the commitments undertaken at relevant major United Nations conferences and their follow-up processes, including those agreed to in the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS adopted by the General Assembly at its twenty-sixth special session on 27 June 2001; 2 4. Encourages more inter-agency cooperation within the United Nations system on issues relating to the family; 5. Encourages the regional commissions of the United Nations, within existing resources, to promote further the exchange of experiences at the regional level through the provision of technical assistance, including advisory services, to Governments upon request; Emphasizes that the Secretariat should continue its important role in the 6. programme of work on family issues within the United Nations system, and, in this regard, encourages the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, within existing resources, to continue to cooperate with Governments, the United Nations system and civil society in strengthening national capacities through the implementation of the mandated objectives of the International Year of the Family, including through: _______________ 1 2 2 E/CN.5/2004/3. Resolution S-26/2, annex.