Dear Readers,

This Sunday, June 16, 2024, we observe the Annual International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR). 

The IDFR was first established on June 16, 2015 by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) - a UN agency that works toward ending poverty and hunger in developing countries - and in 2018, was officially adopted by the General Assembly of the UN. 

This day of celebration is important to raise global awareness of the fundamental contributions made by migrant workers, to the wellbeing of their families and communities back home, and to the sustainable development of their countries of origin. 

Remittances represent the largest single financial force that promotes financial inclusion and benefits the poor in developing countries. For those countries, remittances are over three times larger than all other sources of foreign aid combined. 

We recognize the critical importance of remittances and the heroic efforts of those migrants who work so hard to give their families and communities a better life. 

The MSBA strives to promote public awareness of the beneficial impact of remittances worldwide and works with its industry partners toward making migration for future generations more of a choice than a necessity.

To learn more about IDFR, visit their website: https://www.ifad.org/en/idfr 

Best regards,

Kathy Tomasofsky

Executive Director

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