The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Tolerance is annually observed on November 16 to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance. Background In 1996 the UN General Assembly invited member states to observe the International Day for […]
World Pneumonia Day – 12 November
World Pneumonia Day is annually held on November 12 to raise awareness of pneumonia, promote prevention and treatment, and generate action to fight the illness. Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake. Pneumonia is the biggest killer of […]
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict – 6 November
On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (A/RES/56/4). Though mankind has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities […]
World Food Day – 16 October
World Food Day is annually held on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Each year has a different theme. The FAO aims to raise levels of nutrition across the globe, improve agricultural productivity at all levels, enhance the lives of […]
International Day of Older Persons – 1st October
On December 14, 1990, the UN General Assembly made October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons, following up on initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the assembly. […]
International Day of Sign Languages – 23 September
New York, USA, 19 December 2017: The United Nations General Assembly has declared 23 September as International Day of Sign Languages. The resolution (A/C.3/72/L.36/Rev.1 – International Sign version here) was initially adopted by consensus during the 48th meeting of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, […]
International Day against Nuclear Tests -29 August
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day against Nuclear Tests brings public awareness and education about the effects of global nuclear weapon tests. The day aims to end nuclear testing and to promote peace and security. Background The history of nuclear testing began on July 16, 1945, when an atomic bomb […]
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – 23 August
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is annually observed on August 23 to remind people of the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade. It gives people a chance to think about the historic causes, the methods, and the consequences of […]
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – 26 June
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world. Governments, organizations and individuals in […]
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is annually observed on June 26 to remind people that human torture is not only unacceptable – it is also a crime. What Do People Do? Rehabilitation centers and human rights organizations around the world celebrate the UN’s […]